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AND 



PAPims 



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LUTHKR STli:PHK>rSO]Sr, JR. 



(r,ATK .■»2i) nr.diAiKNT mass, vols.) 



Bi^ETTiET BI^IO-^^3DIEI^ o-:E:3srEi^.i^Xj. 



Printed for Private Use. 



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CONTENTS 



PA(ii:. 
Address at the Reception of Co. I. 4th Mass. Militia, . ;"» 

The Story of the 4th Massaeliusetts after Twenty Years, 7 

Address at the Dedication of tiie Statue of Jolm A. 

Andrew, . . . . . . . .IS 

Address delivered hofore (J. A. IJ. I'ost, Ilinghani. . 24 

Addr^-ss delivereil at the Heunion of the 7th, Hth and 

10th Maine Keginients, . . . . . .31 

Address delivered at the ()|)enin<» of the O. A. II. Fair 

in Angnsta, ....... 34 

The 32d Massachnsetls Vohinteers, .... 31) 

McClellan and (Irant, ...... 44 

McClellan's Critics, . . . . . , .54 

Our Streets, Yards and l)wellinsj::s, . . . . (U 



ADDRESS 

AT TlIK IIKCKPTIOX OK CO. I, 4tH MASS. MILITIA, ON RETURN 
TO IIINCMIAM FROM ITS TIIRKK MONTHS SKRVK'K. 

Jl'LY 2;'., l.SCl. 

" Mv FiMi.NDs ANi> NKioiiitoKs. — I luudlv kiiow what to 
say. to i>ro|)i'rly express my thanks in liehalf of inv command, 
for this warm and enthusiastif reception, the kind and earn- 
est greetinii; you have ext.'nded to ns to-day. You have 
added one more ol»li<j;ation to thv' many that are dueour friends 
for the constant succession of favors, for the iiumherless ex- 
pressions of friendship and sympathy we have received dur- 
in«; our absence ; and I assure you that tiie knowledge that 
we wi're watcli -d over and cared ft)r by our friends at home 
has lightened many a load, and revived many a droopino" 
spirit, worn out almost with labor and disease. 

'•Friends, we bring to you no laurels won on the battle- 
lield ; for although always jdaced in the post of danger, 
although it seems always to be assigned to Massachusetts 
ti> form the atlvance guartl in every expedition of danger and 
of labor, we havi' juissed through unharmed ; and, when I 
hx)k around on this happy gathering, I thank (iod that it is 
so ! I thank CJod that no wife will h)ok in vain for the form 
of one she loves ; no father or mother will search in vain for 
their son ; that no child has been bereft of the care and h)ve 
of a father ; ]»ut that they are all here, (many of us worn and 
weary 1 know,) that every lireside will be made glad bv the 
return of husband, parent, and son, wlio had been so trem- 
blingly watched, so tmxiouslv waited for ! 

"■And yet, althou-h wc have not been called upon to face 
the cannon's mouth. I know from their l»earing when daniJ:(r 
threatened, and the contlict seemed inevital<li'. that tliev 



6 

would have met the enemy without tlinchino;, and have nobly 
sustained the honor of old Massachusetts, and the good name 
of our dear town. 

" No one can estimate the amount of blood and of treas- 
ure that has been saved ])y the prompt action of our Massa- 
chusetts militia. In all probability, had we arrived at Fort- 
ress Monroe two days later, that important post would have 
been lost. The key of Virginia, more important at this crisis, 
perhaps, than even the capital itself, would have been in the 
possession of traitors and rebels, and a million of treasur( » 
and thousands of precious lives, would have been sacrificed 
to regain what was saved by the prompt action of eight hun- 
dred men, who left their homes, their families, and their bus- 
iness, to answer the call of their country, to support the gov- 
ernment, and to enforce the laws. 

"Therefore, if we have not in the field of battle been 
called upon to meet the foe hand to hand, we feel that we 
have acted an important part in the great drama ; and, for 
myself, I am glad it has fallen to my lot to join in this second 
great struggle for our independence, believing that my child- 
ren, and my children's children, will remember it with grati- 
tude when I shall have i)assed away. 

"My friends, allow me once more to thank you for your 
kindness towards us, and your presence here. These green 
fields and pleasant homes of our dear town, the chun-h spires, 
the forms of these reverenced men whose voices we have 
missed so much at each returning sabbath, this happy r. - 
union with our parents, wives, children, and friends, almost 
make us forget our toils and trials, and more than re{)ay ts 
for what we have done for the great cause in which we have 
been enoaged. 



THE STORY OF THE 

Fourth Massachusetts, 

AS TOLl> TWENTY VEAKS AFTEU. 

Sumter had Itcen firiHl upon. Tho fortress which Antlei- 
son, with his little band of soldiers, had striven so loyally to 
defend had fallen into the hands of the secessionists of South 
Carolina ; the stars and stripes had been hauled down, and 
the palmetto flajj; of that state Hoated defiantly in its place. 
The people of the North, indignant and astonished at- the 
hostile position of the South, were at once united in a desire 
to save the Union under which they had lived in prosperity 
and happiness. Nowhere was the heart of the people so 
profoundly stirred to its very depths us in Massachusetts, 
The radicals w.-re full of hope and delight ; the conserva- 
tives looked upon the condition of affairs with feelings of 
sadness and despondency ; the thoughtless and reckless 
boasted of the quick punishment and subjugation of the 
South, while the more sagacious foresaw a long and bloody 
struggle and dared not prophecy what would be the ultimate 
result. Yet, whether the feeling was one of hope or doubt, 
all seemed united in the decision tliat the time for parleying 
had passed, for the safety and honor of the country were at 
stake ; the hour for prompt, decisive action had arrived. 
Probably none of our citizens realized more piofoundly the 
responsibility of the situation than the volunteer militia. 
Weeks before the South opened its batteries upon the flag, 
the question had been propounded to the members of the 
militia whether they were ready to respond to a call from tiie 
executive, march to assist in the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln, 
and meet any hostile attempt on the part of the South. 
Many answered yes. while others, laboring under the impres- 



sion that it was a political movement, and uncalled for. re- 
si)onded in the neoative. yet it is douhtful whetlier many 
realized that there mii^ht l)e a necessity for callinji out the 
troops, for. when the call did come, most of those who had 
responded in the nej>ative 

siiorLDKur.n thkik mtskkts, 

while a portion of those wlio were on the afllrinative side re- 
mained at home. The test came on the lath of April, when 
Gov. Andrew issued his order for the assemblinii' of tiie mili- 
tia in Boston, and the soldiers, by their action, were called 
upon to prove the sincerity of their proniises and tlie depth 
of their loyalty. Very few failed to come up to the exigen- 
cies of the hour and the expectations of their friends. In 
everv town and city where a company was located, the ijreat- 
est excitement previled. The ea*;er movements of the militia : 
the sad and tremhlin<( fears of mothers, wives and friends, 
the activity of preparation and the uncertainty of the future 
come back from the memories of the past to those who i>ar- 
ticipated therein, recalling the scenes that stirred tlie deepest 
fountains of the heart, and tried by the severest test tlu-ir 

devotion and loyalty to duty. The town of liad been 

more exc'ted and interested, perhaps, than any other in the 
commonwealth, because of the neglect on the i)art of the 
oHicer commanditig the local company to comply with the 
orders from the Adjutant-treneral's otllce, Ijut that dilliculty 
was overcome by the action of the Governor in discliarging 
the delinquent ollicer, and, on the afternoon of the 17th, we 
marched to the State House to join our regiment, the old 4th, 
The regiment was in line, ready to move, and we hmriedly 
selected an overcoat, received a haversack, to be used for 
carrying rations (which, however, were all exhausted), a pair 
or two of socks, and fell into line. The regiment had re- 
ceived the words of good dieer from (iov. Andrew, and the 
line of march was cpiickly taken for the Old Colony depot. 
The streets were lined with people, wlio gave us hearty cheei's 
as we marched t(j the nmsic of the liiion, the first regiment 
that left Massachusetts in defence of tlie Hag. the first of 



y 



nioro than sixty \vlii(li followed befovo the long and bloody (on- 
tfst was linisht'd. It was understood that we marched with 
seaU'd oi'ders. but. bt-fore tlie ears started, a friend w ho was 
in the counsels of (Jov. Andi'ew ([uietly whispered in my car 
that we werv' ])()und for Foi'tress Monroe. \'a. On our ari'i- 
\vA at Fall IJivei- vre found the steamer Statt' of jMaine in 
r 'adiness for our embarkati(^n. The steamei- had been laid 
up throuoh the winter season, and taken hastily from her 
dock for tlie serA'ice in anytliinii- but a proper and safe con- 
dition for the voyau'c, especially if a storm should beencoun- 
t-M'ed. Loaded with her movinii' freii>]it. she careened so 
badly that but slow pi'oiiress could be made. It is impossi- 
ble to descrilie the scenes that occiu'red din-iiiu' 

Tin: iiKsr Nnarr oi- oik vova(;i:, 

th > excitement, confusion, laughter, jest, grnmblino; and 
frolic, whicli drove away sleep. It was a re[)etition of what 
we usually lliid on the voyage, in camj) or on tlu' pleasure 
cxi-ui-sion, where the first night is generally consumed ai)pa- 
i-ently for the puriiose of making the quietly-disposed miser- 
able, and unfitting all for enjoyment or labor during the day 
that follows. 15ut the attempts at jest ami gayety sometimes 
api)eai-ed hollow and insincere, and might have been, in some 
cases, a pretence to cover and keep ilown the feelings of sad- 
ness and insecurity which were the result of our sudden de- 
l)arture from home and the nncei-tainty of the future, for no 
one could pi-edict what scenes of danger and hardships might 
be in stori' for us before our short term of three months' 
.service iiad ex|)ired. 'l"he unfit condition of our steamer for 
the \oyage became more and moi'c apparent, as we proceed- 
ed. A\hen the morning dawned, we ascertained that we had 
made but slow progress. and hi-r captain decided that he must 
go to New York and get a fresh supply of coal, not only for 
use but for the purpose of ballasting and trimming his vessel. 
Besides, the rations that had been provided for the men were 
spoilt and unfit for fo(jd. We had been furnished with hav- 
e "sacks made of painted canvas, not hardened sulHciently for 
use. The odor from the paint impregnated the food, making 



10 



it iKiwIiolesome and disg.istinLi'. nml most of it went ovcr- 
hourd Itc'fore tlii.' day emU'd, fiirnishiiisi,' ii repast for thi' lislics. 
It was not until afternoon that \vi' ivai-hed New York, hav- 
ino- Iteeu al)oat 1<S hours on our trip from Fall River. We 
remained at New York a few hours, durin»; which time the 
steamer was put into a more seaworthy condition, fresh pro- 
visions and coal taken on board, and we a<>;iiu started for 
our destination. The weather proved delightful, and the re- 
mainder of our trip was conifoitable and pleasant. Just at 
the break of day on Saturday, the 20th, Ave arrived in the 
vicinity of Fort Monroe. Our orders were to laud at that 
point, provided the fortress was still in possession of the 
Unionists, and we stootl off, waitini>; for the sunrise gun to 
see what tiag would be raised on the flagstaff. Finally, as 
tlie deep boom came over the water and the stars a:id stripes 
floated in the breeze, we sailed directly toward the fort. It 
was then suggested that, even if the secessionists held the 
jjlace, they might use the old Hag to dec(n' us within the range 
of the guns, but it was too late to recede, and the steam i* 
was guided directly uj) to the wharf. In a few minutes, a 
Union ollicer came hastening down from the fort to the 
wharf. He had evidently l)eeu hastily aroused from his 
slum])er, for he was ouly j)ariially dressed, and apparentlv 
very much agitated at t!ie ap[)r()ach of a steamer loaded with 
troops. "'What troops are these?" '-The -Ith ^lassachi;- 
setts militia." was the reply. 

'■•THANK coll !" 

For two nights the little garrison of 200 men had lain on 
1 leir arms on the i)arapi t^, ready to tight and die for tlii^ , 
most important of all of the defences along onr coast. Out- 
side of the fort, at the Ilygeia House and in the town of 
Hampton, which is near l)y, were crowds of secessionists, 
assembled for the avowed purpose of taking [)ossession of 
the fortress if Virginia seceded from the Union. No wonder 
the adjutant of the fort uttered his words of thankfulness 
when he saw these Massachusetts men and realized that the 
danger was i)assed. (Jlad to esc a[)e from th.' c()n'iuemei:t 



11 

of the st.^amov. tlio regiinont hastily l.'ft the vosscl, and, full 
of luitifiiiatioii and cxciti'iuent ut the novi'lty of onr situa- 
tion, we joyously marclu'd into the fort. We liad lelt in 
IMassachnsetts little hanks of snow in the shaded places, but 
liero, in the t2;ai\lens outside of the walls, the roses were in 
hlooni and the air warm and Itahny as on a June dav in New 
E:»<iland. It is needless to say that we were joyfully and 
heartily welcomed by Col. Diniock, the veteran couunander 
of the fori, to whose faithfulness and loyalty the country 
wis largely indebted for the contiinied [)ossession of Fort 
Monroe, at a thno when the secessionists were strivinji; bv 
threats, promises and strata<>'eni to get control of it. Their 
efforts i'ailed before the -sturdy loyalty of the clear-headed, 
courageous soldier, and we retained in our possession the kev 
of Virginia. Surrounded by traitors, some inside us well as 
oatside of the fortress, (for two regular oflicers tlirew up 
their connnissions o!i the day of our arrival,) he did not 
flinch before the responsiliility. and would have defended his 
po^t until the last man had fallen, had the crisis l»een precip- 
itated l)y the N'irgiuians. Our arrival relieved him from a 
great trial, and, later in the war, when it was my good for- 
tune to be under his conuuand for a short time at Fort War- 
ren, he often expressed the satisfaction he felt at our timely 
arrival, and the grtititude he entertained and felt toward 
Massachusetts for her prompt action in sending troops to his 
relief. A few liours after our entrance into Fort Monroe, the 
steamer having on boai'd the oil regiment, which had left Bos- 
ton on the l-Sth, arrived at the v.diarf, and the entire militia 
f )rce of the Old Colony was assembled on Virginia soil. The 
3.1, however, remained but a short time before they again 
einb irked on the United States steamer Pawnee and pro- 
c.H'ded to Norfolk, wheri' they assisted in the work of disman- 
tling the naval station, dismounting and spiking guns, de- 
sLroviu'i; sujiplies and ammunition, burning and scuttling 
v 'ssels. They reti.rned to the fort the next day. after a 
nio'ht of 



12 



IIAIM) [.Ar,l>It AM) INTKNSK K.\< ITi::\tF,XT. 

The followiiiu' (l;iv. Iirinii' Sumlav, the hkmi \wi\' not c-illi'd 
iijxni ti) in'i-fonn any special duty, iilllioiiiih there was pU'iity 
to do in i>ettni!>' ready foi- what h)oked to l)e a three months' 
domicile in our pivsent quarters. Outside of the fortress 
tliero was a hirge Huml>er of distiiHted and iiidiu'uant seces- 
.sionists, wlio were evidently astonished at the aspect of af- 
fairs, and full of threats and curses against ^la-sachusetts 
and her soldiers. ()ui' men were not slow in returning' their 
compliments, and. as there was a liahility that a u'eneral n)w 
miiiht take place. Col. Dimock finally ordered the I\Iassa- 
chiisetts lioys to remain inside of the fort. The oilieers were 
hnsily cnoa<>vd in pivparing must'rin^'-iii papers, and on 
the 22d of April we Itecauie soMiers of the United States — 
the lirst volunteers that swoi-e alle/iance to ihe liaij;. tlu' ad- 
vance of more than 2.()<)il.(>0() who rallied to the defence of 
the I'nion before th ' war ended. If th ■ men had an idea 
that theii" service in th ' fort would he si:n;)ly tln' usual rou- 
tine of a soldier's life, it was (piicklv dispelled, fo;- we soon 
found that hard work was to l)e oui' portion, for a time at 
least. The fort was in its usual condition for a time of 
l)eace and must he titted for war. Larue fatiune parties were 
detailetl for this duty, and the m mi were constantly employed 
in mountino' ii'nns. strenirthenini>' the walls with sand luitis 
against anticipat '<l attacks, beside givino- time to necessary 
drill and jiarade. \\'e lelt ^lassaclmsetts clotlied in our 
militia uniforms, which consisted of blue broadcloth coats 
and black cassimere j)ants. decorated with white trinnnintjs, 
some of the uniforms already well worn. This clothiuLi'. as 
can be imaoined, Avas poorly lifted to sustain the rough 
usage t>) which it was subjected, and the results were often- 
time ludicrous and amusing. At our regular Sunday inspec- 
tions some of the men couunenced to appear in overcoats, 
although the weatiier was warm and liright. This was to 
conceal their tattt-red clothing, and. in some instances, the 
fact that they had no pants, anJ only their drawei's to hide 
their nakedness. The co:itrast in ap|)earance between our 
militia, with th 'ir torn, worn-out unifoi'ms, and the compa- 



nil's of r»'»iiil:ir.s who still iv'iiiaiiu'd in the fort. w:is vci'v 
iiuukt'd and stiikiiii'-. Foit .Momoi' iiad Ihh'Ii used as an 
artilltMv school, and the men and oliict-rs insti'iictcd antl 
drilled into the verv perfection of niilitarv disci|jliiie. The 
neat, trim appearance of tiie men, their iemarkal)le piccision 
of movement as they appeared at gnai-d-monntino- oi- on 
dress parade, were prohaldy revelations to some of oui- militia 
boys, and I am siu'e many of ns who afti'rward enteied into 
the service' foi- th.' war rained in military knovvlediie and skill 
from the example and aihice of the reuular otlicers who were 
tlu'ii station, ■(! at Fort Moni'oe. some of whom. l»efore the 
war endetl. obtained r^'pntations for skill and hrtiverv that 
will be admired by oent'.rations yet to come. 

The location of Fort Monroe is verv strikino' and beanti- 
I'nl. A walk aronnd its jjarapets (a distance of one and a 
(piart.'r miles) presented a series of views, which at sunset 
wer.' esjU'cially lovely and charmin<i-. On one side the l)road 
ocean, the town of Hampton in the distance, tlii' mouth of 
the James, the IJip Kaps and the )»eautifnl harbttr — these 
weri' a succession of |»ictures. Near the fort lav the ill- 
fat 'd sloop-of-vvar ('uml)erland. wiiich afteruai'd went down 
Iiefore the iron-clad 3Ierrimac. and many hours were sjjeiit 
in watchiuii' the effect of her shots as she (ired upon the little 
rebel steamers and vessels which kept u|» comnamication be- 
tween Norfolk and Hampton. 1 recollect one night, as, 
inspired and I'xhilarated bv the delijihtful. healtiiv breezes, 
the charmiuii' landscape, the siiiht of the old tlaji- as it waved 
at the masthead of the Cumberland, I expressed mv con- 
t 'uipt for the power of the South and mv convictions that 
she would soon I).' con(piered. A vetei'an major of the reg- 
ulars, who was taking in tin' scene with ap))arently a most 
profound inditt'ereiice. said tome, ••('aijtain. 1 woid<]n't talk 
so. This is a much more serious matter than you anticpate. 
We regular otlicers understand the strength and the feeling 
of the South better than the people generally. We have 
seen the lighting qualities of the southei'u people on the bat- 
tle-field, we know the ability and skill of the men who are to 
lead them, audi tell vou it will be three vears at least bel'ore 



14 

flic Soiitli will h.' sul)ilili'(I." .M;iiiv tiiiit's diiriiiu' tlic \\:\r I 
rciniMiihert'd the \ct 'nin's ])i'(>|)lii'cv. mid smiled ;it my own 
pivsiimptioii :ind ionoiMnci'. 

Our rcuiiiu'iit w:is rccruiU'd by tln' Mdlilloii of two coiii- 
])ani('s from IJostoii. wiio liad enlisted for rhit'c ycais. and 
weiv raised ity C'apts. ("larke and IJarnes. After the expira- 
tion of onr term of seivice. these companies hecame a part 
of the 2l>th reiiiment. 'I'hc 1st i"e<jimeiit N'crmont volunteers 
also iiad arrived at the fort under the command of Colonel 
(afterward (len. ) Pheljjs. whose eccentricities soon became 
pretty thorono'hly known throniihout the North. He was for- 
merly in the Tnit'd States army, and was a thoroUi>lily brave, 
patriotic and skillful soldier. To him is due the civdit of the 
lirst introduction of the n 'oro;.s int > the Tnit'd State's ser- 
vice, and he first c mnselled the enlistm.Mit of the blacks int > 
the army. Some time in May (Jen. Bntler arrived at Foi't- 
ress Montroe and took comm;ind of all the troops on the 
peninsula, and. on the 27th, the 4th Massachusetts iviiiment 
and the ^'ermont reolm >nt. all under the connnand of Col. 
Phelps, embarked on a transport and proceeded to Newport 
News, where, for a tim '. our foitnnes were to be cast. This 
point is located at the moutli of the .lam 's river, and com- 
mands the entrance to that important outlet. As far as 
preparation is concerned, we were sent there rather prenia- 
tmvly. without tents or rations, which did not reach us for 
tv number of days. As the weathei- |»roved i»leasant. we yot 
along" very well under the sludti'r of huts built of rails and 
boughs, while the foragers scattered all o\er the surrounding 
territory, raiding upon the farmhouses and ))Oultry yards. 
and, before the oHicers had got an idea of what was going 
on, almost the entire stock of poultry on the faiiiis for two 
or three miles around was transferred to our camp. Then 
came strict orders against foraging, and many of the men 
found themselves in the guard-tent under arrest. The \'cr- 
mont men picketed that part of the liiu' that covered the ap- 
proach to the camp by the main road, and made it theii' 
especial business to arrest all of the Massachusetts men that 
c:un^ iniwittinglv int ) their clut -h es. while th 'V alloWv'(l tlieir 



IT) 



own iiK'ii lo ,i;<> fivH'. This cniis'd :i Ititter fi'diiiij; bi'twiHMi 
the two rc'iiiiiuMits. which coiitimu'd thi-()iii>li the tv'nn of ser- 
\ice. (leii. liiitK'r liiid Ix'cii iiiforincd of the tiini :iff;iir.s had 
taken, and came up to our <-aini» from Fort .Monroe, horii- 
lled and iiuliiinair at tlie idea that Massachusetts men shouhl 
have been eni>ai>e<l in siieh depredations. Some of the o(li- 
i-ers were put under aiTest for a few liours. Iiy liis oi'cU'rs. 
for aUowinjj; their men to forage, (len. IJutlerwas very con- 
servative in these matters when the war commeui-ed, and 
discountenanced any encroaclnnents upon the pi'opei'ty of 
tiie southei'uers, hut it is understood that he ifot bravely over 
it )»efore the war was ended. We at once oot to work Imihl- 
ino- earthworks and fortifying the phicc. Trees were feUed, 
cut into lengths of about ten feet, and set endways into 
the sjround to hohl the eartii which was thrown up from 
the trenches. The whole work was (h)ne inider the su|»er- 
vision of a I'nit.'d Stal.'s enuineer. and constructed in the 
most sul»stantial manner. 'I'he routine of hd)or was occa- 
sionallv enlivened by false alai'ms respecting- the movements 
of the enemy and tiie exajiirerat'd statements of the intelli- 
o-ent contraltands. Occasionally small scoutin<i- |)arties were 
sent out. the men who could i:et permission to o-o on these 
t'X|»editi<^>ns deemlnii; themselves ([uit;' foi'tunate. and all sorts 
<»f pretexts were «i<>ttL'n up to inthience the ofticers in makinu- 
the details for this purp(»se. After a time the force was in- 
i-reased by the arrival of the 1th. Ttli and Dth New York reg- 
iments, ami affairs Itecame lively and int.M'estinu'. It was 
well known that the enemy had assemlded in considerable 
force at liiir Bethel, and on the ;ith of June I was detailed liv 
Col. Phelps to make a reconnoisance with two companies 
to ascertain whetlu'r the enemy were still in position at that 
place, or whether they had m;>ved further down the penin- 
sula, as had been reported. 1 lielieve this was the lirst 
armed reconnoisance of the war. Our expedition consumed 
nearly two days, yet we met no force of the enemy. l>ut as- 
certained that they were in position at Big Betiiel. Dining 
the night we bivouacked on a ])lantation, the buildings of 
wiiicli were occupied l)y negroes, who had taken ))ossession 



uft'.T tlu' wliit ' ))i'()|)Ie had d-si'i-l-'d tiioii- homes, as most of 
them did wht'ii oui- tfoops hiiuU'd at Newport News. Kverv- 
tiiiui)- was (|iii('t foi'a tiinr. wh-.'ii suddv'nly we were aroused 
hy the report of a pistol, every man seizinii' liis musket, ex- 
peetino- i\\\ attack. l)ut no enemy made an api^earanee. It 
turned out tliat the oltieer eonimandino' the picket line de- 
t.'cted a movement iu the "rass. and Hred. hickily missinu- 
his aim. for the object of his suspicion proved to be a nr^ro 
Itelono'ino- to the place, who had Iteen on a visit to his sweet- 
heart on a neighboriny plantation, and was endeavoring to 
ii'et inside the picket line without beinn' noticed. When we 
returned to Newport News, I found Maj. AVinthrop at that 
post waiting to get what information we had obtained, and 1 
made mv report to him. lie had i>ccn se.nt from Fort Mon- 
roe by (ien. Ijutl'r. with orih'rs. probably foi- the expedition 
against Big IJethel. which took place the next dav. His un- 
timely death, while participating in the tight at that ])lace. i- 
well known to every reader of the history of the wai'. and 
remen)bei'ed bv those who were on the stage of action at that 
time as the cause of gi'eat sorrow and regret throughout the 
North. ^ I do not propose to give a description of the itattle 
of liig llethel or of the I'vents preceding it. for the narative 
would l>e an expose of a series of i)lunders. which, in the 
liiiht of latei' expei'ience. appear humiliating and disgusting. 
Five companies of the 4th r.'giment participat 'd in tliis cn- 
ti'aiiem.'nt, and. th 'i\' is no (loul)t. would ha\e U|)h.'ld the 
honor of old .Massachus.'tts if a fair opportunity had olferi'd. 
Sullice itl(» say that the lirst Massachusetts soldier who was 
killetl upon the liattlelield belonge<l to the 1th regiment Mass- 
achnsetts militia. With the exception of the few days of 
excitement preceding and following tlie battle, our life was a 
monotony of fatigue-woi'k and drill, and on tln' 2d of ,lnlv 
^ve aoaiu moved to new (piart -I's in Ilami»ton. occupying 
dwellings vacated by the white inhabitants, the most coni- 
fortabU' (piarteis we had found. Here earthworks \yere 
thrown up and picket duty i)erformed until the 17th, \vhen we 
retnrned to Fort Monroe and embarked on board the steamer 
S. Iv. Spauldinu'. arriving at Long island, lioston harbor, on 



17 

tlu' r.Mli. On tlie 22(1 of .July we were niiisterod out of tlie 
United States service, and departed for our homes. When 
you ask a sohlierwlio answered the first call on tlie volunteer 
militia, and who served durino: the war in other ortjanizations 
whieh departure from our state for the seat of war, made the 
jfreatest demand ui)on his patriotism and love of country, he 
will assuredly answer, "The first." No body of men sacri- 
ficed so much personally, because they started at a moment's 
notice, without preparation, with no time to provide for busi- 
ness, family, or other relations of life. They received no 
bounties, they furnished their own uniforms, and those who 
were disabled (as some were for life) by sickness or disease, 
are not recognized as pensioners by the country. Many of 
them left lucrative positi<jns for the paltry sum of §18 a 
month, and returned home to find their places occupied by 
Others, while those who, with prudent forethought, had pre- 
viously insured their lives for the protection of their fami- 
lies, were in some cases compelled to forfeit policies, or else 
pay extra premiums, which sometimes exceeded the pay 
th^\v received. Yet th ? s M-yicvJ tli^y rendered was of inesti- 
mable value to the caus.i of the Union. They saved the 
capital of the nation, the state of Maryland, and Fortress 
Monroe, whieh was the key to Virjiinia, to the country. If 
you look over the list of patriots who sprani; forward at the 
tirst call of our executive, you will find many wlio, in the 
latter days of the war, gave up their lives for the Union ; 
you will lind many who, in the humbler stations, marched, 
fought and suffered for the old flag, and many names will be 
found who advanced to high positions, and whose records 
will be prominent in our history for generations yet to come. 



18 



ADDRESS 

AT TllK l»Kl)I(.ATI<)N OK THK STATUE KUECTKD AT TlIK GKAVE 
«)K .JOHN A. ANDUKW, AT IMNiiHAM, MASS., 

OCTOBER H, 1H7:.. 

[* Delivered in the "Old Meetiuo House."] 

At the Annual Ueunion of the Ottieers of the 82d Massa- 
chusetts Volunteers. «)n the 13th of December, 1H71, the 
statement was made that the lifrave of Governor Andrew, 
in llingham, was still unmarked hy slab or monument, and 
it was sujigested that that meetina; should take the initiative 
in a movement for the purpose of supplyino; the need, and 
call upon the soldieis and sailors of the State who had served 
durino- the war of the Rel>eHion, to testify their gratitude to 
the Executive, who. in the great struggle for the nation's 
life, had been their constant friend and supporter ; who had 
sent them forward with words of cheer and inspiration, and 
received them on their return with welcome and congratula- 
tions such as could emanate only from a heart inspired by 
the truest friendship, and an earnest conviction of the justice 
and glorv of the cause for which they had fought. 

The suggestion met with an earnest response, and a com- 
mittee was appointed to adopt some plan by which the sub- 
ject could be brought to the attention of the veterans of 
Massachusetts. The committee commenced the woik by 
sending invitations to representatives of the various regi- 
ments and batteries that had served during the war, to meet 
in Boston for consultation and organization. The result of 
that meeting was the formation of the John A. Andrew 
Monument Association, whose labors end in this sacred place 
to-day. 

♦Kivcteil ill 16S1, ami tho oldest eiHJicc now iiscil for religious service in 
the L'uiti'd States. 



If) 

It would be us.'less, at this time, to tell of the successes, 
the disappointments, the joys and anxieties that attended 
our endeavors to accomplish the work entrusted to our 
care ; suffice it to say, tliat while we oftentimes met with cold 
responses to our solicitations for aid, with rebuffs from some, 
who, in life had been the constant recipients of the favors of 
the Governor, yet these few cases of ingratitude and foro-et- 
fulness were overbalanced a thousand times bv generous 
gifts, i)y warm expressions of sympathy, and by words of 
love and respect, for him whose memory we desired to keep 
green, such as, if they could be gathered together would 
constitute a monument of affection, a tribute <^)f o-ratitude 
and esteem of which a monarch might l)e proud. 

lint the soldiers who served faithfully on the field or in 
garrison during the war, had no opportunities for the accu- 
mulation of wealth. Many of them came liomo to find their 
places in the countin>?-room, the workshop, and the marts of 
trade occupied by f>thers. Many, alas I how manv returned 
with impaired health and strength, sick and wounded, vet 
still subjected to calls of blood and affection, to the de- 
mands of wives, children and friends for support and assist- 
ance. It is not strange then that our success was but par- 
tial, and that our enterprise dragged slowly along. The 
original plan of contining our subscrijitions to the soldiers 
and sailors was necessarily al>an(h)ned. and we turned to 
other sources for aid, more especially to that fountain of lib- 
erality and generosity which is never appealed to in vain, 
whether it be to send relief to a I>urning city, to answer the 
appeals from suffering and distress in other lands, or what- 
ever calls of mercy and charity — the noble, generous, patri- 
otic heart of the business comnuinity of lioston. 

Our call was responded to with libei-alitv. and the Associ- 
ation soon found itself in condition to commence the work. 
Many designs of monument and sarcophagus were i)resented 
for our consid'ratioii. but non>' seen) t>) satisfy or fill the 
idea we ent 'rtaiui'd of what was fitting and appropriate to 
be placed beside the grave of our friend, until the eminent 
artist, Mr. Thomas H. Gould, submitted fur the considera- 



20 

tioii of \\w r.uildiii:^- Coininltti'P a model of the beautiful 
slatiu' you liavi* .seen to-day. 

In pivsentino- his model the artist said truly. '• what uiorc 
littiuiJ: or endurino- monunj.?nt can there bo than a livinj; like- 
ni'ss of tlie man in marble?" And I l)elieve the verdi(tt of 
the peoi)li' will be that he has indeed jjroduced a i-ivino like- 
ness, lie has brouoht into his work not only rare skill and 
oenius, but enthusiasm and devotion, stimulated by sincere 
love and esteem for his subject, the result of intimate social 
friendship and ardent admiration of his life and character. 

The Association thanks hiin most sincerely for the fidelity 
and zeal which he has given to the woik intrusted to his 
charge, and I couiiratulate him most heartily U|)on his suc- 
cess as an ai'tist. 

And now. ladies and ojentlemen. after nearly four years, 
this Association has invited you here to-day to assist in the 
completion of its work. Althouoh the delays to which we 
have been subjected have at times been vexatious and dis- 
couraoino-, vet, for some reasons, it may almost be deemed 
providential. What more tittinji- time than this to testify our 
oratitude and love for him who oave health, strenoth, and 
his life for his country's welfare'. Is it not well, in this cen- 
tennial year, while the pulse of the nation is bounding with 
jov over a more complete reunion among this people, while 
the deeper springs of patriotism are stirred l)v the recollec- 
tion of the deeds performed l>y the fathers at Lexington. 
Concord, and liunker Hill, and the outstretched hand with 
words of peace and reconciliation is extended from the North 
to the South, from the South back again to the North — is it 
not well, I say. that in our joy and thankfulness over a re- 
stored I'nion that we shouM keep in mind the greater strug- 
ole for the natifm's life, and pay our iiomage to the grand 
war (iovernor, who. at the first approach of danger, sent 
forward Massa(dn»setts soldiers, that in (iod's providence, 
Massachusetts blood should l>e first slied in this war for the 
Union, as it was in the war of Independence? What more 
fitting spot than this beautiful resting place of the dead to 
recall the deeds of the past, the virtues of the fathers, the 



21 

sacrifices of llie Revolution, the devotion and suffering in 
our later strui^gle, and our own duties to (Jod and to our 
country. At its portal stands this ancient Meeting House, 
the oldest in the land, where for nearly two centuries thede- 
scendents of the men, who, for the rioht to worshij) Hod 
according- to the dictates of conscience, braved the perils of 
sea and land, have sent up words of prayer and songs of 
praise. On the summit of yonder hill repose tiie remains of 
General Lincoln, the friend and companion <^>f ^^'ashington, 
whose name is written in the records of the war for inde- 
pendence and civil liberty. 

And now, beside his resting place, with his face turned 
toward the rising sun. we have unveiled the image of him, 
who, in the terrible struggle for union and for universal free- 
dom stood foremost among the foremost, a central figure, 
giving life, energy and inspiration to the whol'. Where else 
could we find the spot whicii so beautifully repr.'sents and 
symbolizes the three great princij)les of religious liberty, of 
civil liberty, and universal freedom ; that glorious trinity 
which is to make this country in the future a refuse for the 
oppressed, a Iioiul' for the weary, an example of advance- 
ment and civilization. Aye! tliis is holy ground. The peo- 
ple of this land shall come here to revive the fires of patri- 
otism, to rertectupon their duties to God and their country, 
to learn that tlie noblest impulses of life demand sacrifice 
and labor for the good of others. 

The sons of the South, rejoicing in prosperity under a 
restored union, thanking (Jod for their release from the load 
which their fathers carried, will [)ay homage at the grave of 
him whom we honor to-day, wh) sprang forward, first to stay 
the fratricidal hand : who. when the sword was siieathed, 
hastened to send words of pi'ace and reconciliation, faith 
and confidence. The dirk-skinned child of Ktiiiopia shall 
come, and kneeling at the fe;^'t of him wh<»se philantiu'opy 
and love was limited by n t distinction of -ace or color, class 
or condition, shall drop a tear of gratitude and afiection. 

The traveler from other lands, astonished ami wondering 
at the growth, progress and |)Ower ot this great people, can 



22 

liorc U'ani ttial ti couiitrv to be truly s^reat must recognize 
tlie orand pnncMi»les upou which ours is founded, of the right 
to worshij) God as heart and concience dictate, and that the 
»»u1y superior jiower amouii men is tliat which is derived from 
virtue anil iul''Hi<>(MK-e. 

The soldier of the liuou will comt'. an<l. beside this mar- 
ble form, live over a^aiu the ileeds of the past. Back to his 
memory will rush the electric words that sent him with 
iMMindino- ste|>s t«» m.'et the armed foe : the word of command 
will aii-aiu souu<l in his ears, tiie roar of artillery, the rat- 
tlinji of uuisketry. the cliarye. the shout, the uroans of the 
wounded and dyinji. and then the smind of victory, with the 
j»»y of welcome homv'. 

Fellow Citizens: Let us here to-day consecrate' ourselves 
anew in devotion to the In-st interests of our country, remem- 
berino; that her uloiy aud progress depends upon a firm reli- 
ance in the provid'uce of (!od. a oimrantee of etpial rights 
to all. and upon individual purity of life and character. 

One more duty performed and the mission <^f the John A. 
Andrew Monument Association is ended. 

Sir: To you. as President of the Cemetery Corporation. 
1 now in behalf of the Monument Association, present and 
d^'liver yonder statu* of John A. Andrew, who, when in tlie 
zenith of his fame, receiving the applause of the world, 
tiu'ned lovingly toward this, his adopted home, saying, when 
I die, there my mortal remains nuist repose. 

We need not charge you to clierish and care for this gift : 
the respect and affection in which you and this connnunity 
hold his memory is a siuv guarantee that your Corporation 
will do all that duty and love may re(piire. We need give 
no directions with regard lo tlu' deconition :ind a<lornment 
of the spot where the statue is placed — the lovely grounds 
under vour charge :\fford ample evidence that nothing will be 
Uc'glected which good tastv' and culture demand. 

No iK'cd of iron bars or granite walls to protect ; no nee<l 
of anned sentinels t » watch and guard the image of the great 
war (Jovernor. for it is encas'd in armor stronger than iron 
or st >m' ; it is uuurded bv a vigilance surer than the wiitch- 



23 



fulness of tho soUlicr, tliouoh aniiiuitt'd l>y the truest devtj- 
tion to duty and drilled in the severest school of discipline — 
I mean the love, the respect, the veneration in which his 
nieniorv is cherished by the Americnn people. 



24 



ADDRESS 

DELIVERED BEFOUE EDWIN IIUMPHUEV POST 104, C. A. U., IN 
HINCHAM. ON DECORATION DAV, 

MAY ;30th, 1877. 

Sixteen years luive passed away since the people of tliis 
country were awakened fi-oni tlie confidence they had long 
entertained, of a lasting peace within our horders. by the 
startling intelligiMice that we were on the eve of a great in- 
ternal war. and that a new phase had been added to the 
problem we liad been attt^inptinir to solve, of guaranteeing 
equal rights to all ni^^u in the governuient. whether of station, 
high or low, whether of estate, rich or jioor. 

The l)ovs and "iris of that time have become stalwart men 
and blooming women ; the old men have nearly all passed 
away, and the children, now gaze with curious and wonder- 
ous faces at the constantly weakening ranks of the veterans, 
who with locks fast svhit.Miing ben;nith the t>uch of time, 
vearlv march through our streets with tlowers in their hands 
to the spot where their comrades lie buried, to place the 
beautiful tokens of love and rem>mbrance upon their graves. 

Every year the welcomed task is increased, for the ranks 
are constantly t'dnning, and the gi-aves b.H-oming more nu- 
merous. Not far distant, in the course of time, we can 
realize that we shall all be gone, and that the work of love 
must l)e left to the kindness of those, who. sharing in the 
blessing of peace, happiness and prosperity, that have come 
down t) them through the sufferings, toils and l>l()od of tlie 
past. will. I»v til 'ir acts, t 'ac'i thkir children that tln' achieve- 
ments of the uu'u who gave their lives, health and strength 
for tiiem. must never be forgott-'U. 

Sixteen years have passed away, and yet to the soldier, 
whose heart is till'd with the recolLn'tions of the scenes that 



25 

stirred the deepest feelings of his nature ; with the noble im- 
pulses that sent him to battle for his country, how short seem 
the hours, how quickly the years have passed away. 

O'er memory, comes rushing like a torrent, the incidents 
of the past — the march, the bivouac, the hunger, the weari- 
ness, the battle, the wounds, the chilling influence of defeat, 
the glorious inspiration of victory. 

It seems but as yesterday, since that first call was made 
upon our patriotism, which came like a bugle note from the 
lips of the governor, whose image will speak to us to-day 
in yonder cemetery, as he stands with his face toward the 
rising sun. How fresh are the memories of that noted day. 
We see again the faces of the startled crowd, just realizing 
what was coming in the future ; we see the tears and often- 
times wild grief of mothers, wives and children ; we see 
strong men, their faces pale with emotion ; we hear again 
the earnest prayers of the aged and reverend men ; we feel 
the strong grasp of the hand, and realize anew the powerful 
flood of kindness and love of country, which went with us ; 
that came from the noblest feelings of the heart and from 
the deepest springs of patriotism. 

How well we remember the cheering words and kindly gifts 
that came after us ; the hearty and ear.iest greeting that 
welcomed us home. 

But this is not all. The sterner scenes of the later days 
come so vividly to our minds that we are toiling again under 
the scorching rays of a southern sun on the long and weary 
march. Again, in winter's camp, we strive for comfort and 
repose, and with laugh and jest make easier the privations 
and inconveniencies, the loss of home comforts and home 
enjovments. Again, we hear the stern command — ''for- 
ward" — we seem to feel th3 touch of tlu elbow, while in t'n 
face of the cannon's roar, the rushing missiles, the whistling 
bullets ; over the dead and dying we press torw.uvl to meet 
the foe. Again, we stand oa the hills of Antietain, viewing 
the field of carnage, waiting for our turn to face the perils 
of battle. Again, we are at Fredericksburg, striving to reach 
St. Mary's Heights. Again, we pierce the desolition of the 



26 

Wilderness, and then retrace our path, leaving the blackened 
walls of Chancellorsville behind. We are again in terrible 
conflict on the fields of Gettysburg, putting ourselves as a 
barrier between an invading army and the homes of the dear 
ones we had left behind. 

We shiver at the thought of the bitter cold as we 
faced the frowning batteries at Mine Run. The three 
days' fight in the Wilderness, t!ie terrible slaughter at Laurel 
Hill, Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor; all the battle-fields of 
that four years' contest, some of us see to-day. 

Hut. while we are living over the scenes of the past, we 
look for the countenances of many a brave and noble com- 
rade, and find them not. Oh ! that I had time to name them 
all, and tell of their deeds. Some rest under the shade in 
our beautiful cemeteries — we shall place flowers on their 
oraves to-day — but many, alas, sleep in unknown places — 
no stones mark the spot where they rest — and strangers 
tread rudely over th^'ir graves. Near the terrible dead-line 
at Andersonville, in the company of thousands of victims of 
that fearful place, their remains lie buried. I seem to see, 
to-day, the row of graves in which we jjlaced our Hingham 
boys, near tho IJ 'thesd i C'hnrcli. On many a battle-field, 
and beside many a hospital, they lie, where neither friends, 
parents, wives or children, can view the earth that covers 
their heroes graves or place the floweis that speak of their 
love and grief. 

Hut, although far away, yet how near they are to us to- 
day. We have writt^^n their names in imperishable stone, 
we have raised a shaft toward heaven to perpetuate the mem- 
ory of their deeds, their straggles, their sufl'erings and their 
glory. Year hv y^'ar we shall pay the homage due to all 
who die for the benefit of their country and humanity. Their 
faults, weaknesses and imperfections all forgotten, we shall 
look upon their ujimes aiul rcnunil cr oidy that it was fcr 
us they die<l. 

Fellow Soldiers : I have briefly, but imperfectly, brought 
up some of the scenes and incidents of the past — you and I 
can never forget them — 1 need not of spoken of them to you 



t()-<lay, heeanse in the inomories of men, the i>r!iiul('st, best, 
and most important actions (jf life remain, when tlie little 
things are forgotten ; bnt I have recalled them to impress 
more strongly upon the young that are now eoining to fill 
our places, what it cost to sustain this government under 
wliich we are living in the full enjoyment of the jjrotection 
it affords : to tell tiiein how nobly the people of this town 
came forwanl to fulfill their part of the sacriHc >, which their 
country required in its hour of [khW and need. Let them 
remember how small a part was ours in the vast expenditure 
of l)lood and treasure that was retpiired to save this union, 
and learn more fully the value and the cost of our institu- 
tions. Ninety-eight thousand I iiion soldiers died upon the 
battle-field and in hospitals, and millions upon millions tell 
the amount of pr()i)erty and money expended. Add to this 
the suffering of the sick and wound,Kl, th.' tjars of the 
widows and the fatherless, tlu' desolate hearthstones, the 
crime and corruption which war always brings, and we can 
realize how dearly bought are the institutions we are enjoy- 
ing to-day. May our children realize it, and learn and re- 
member, the only t'rms upon which their institutions can l)e 
maintained. And here let me say, fellow-soldiers, that with 
the hush of battle and the sounds of peace your duty and 
mine did not end. It was not alone your duty to fight for 
and to sustain, but also, to assist in preserving the liberty we 
so highly prize, by our conduct and our lives. Th? pages of 
history tell in tones that cannot b.> misunderstood, that onlv 
l)y virtue and morality can a people maintain their freedom. 
Von cannot misunderstand the truths which history gives, 
that when a nation forgets (Jo<l and his laws, then 
follows ruin and degradation, and the people who ex- 
pected to be always free an^l to perpetuate their country's 
names, become slaves, or else are Idotted out from the list 
of nations. If 1 had the power, I would si)eak to every 
soldier of this land, and entreat them l)y the memory of the 
dead, by the deeds they performed, by the sufferings they 
endured, not to sully the record they won, but to stand by 
those principles of virtue and integrity which exalt a n:ition. 



28 

The justice of God is eternal ; the rewards of virtue come 
to a people as well as individuals ; the results of crime and 
misdoing are misery and ruin. Looking back upon the past 
few years, we can clearly see the necessity for vigilance on 
the part of those who love their country and earnestly desire 
that this republican form of government shall descend to 
their children. The corruption in high places ; the utter dis- 
regard of the principles of justice and integrity that have 
been seen in the action of men whom the people trusted, 
who, for personal agrandizement have betrayed the trusts 
committed to them. 

The schemes of wild speculation, by which the gains of 
honest industry have been squandered, the defalcations and 
misappropriations by men entrusted with the substance of 
widows and orphans, the bartering in legislation, the use of 
high moral principles as a means of selfish personal advance- 
ment, the crime that stalks boldly forth in the full light of 
day as well as at night, the ignorance, vice and corruption ; 
these, to a desponding mind, presents a picture which it 
shudders to contomplate. These things, together with the 
great question which tlio people of this country must meet 
and wrestle with for the next generation have made some of 
our thinking men almost tremble for the republic. It is a 
truism, th it in a for.n of govern n Mit like ours, intelligence 
is a necessity. No other system so imperatively demands 
that the whole people should un lerstand the principles upon 
which it is founded. No otiier system requires such constant 
self-constraint, such regard for the rights and opinions of 
others ; reason, not force must prevail ; the spirit of com- 
promise always shown, and the action of individuals gov- 
erned by the highest moral principles. 

I said we are to wrestle with a great problem ; it is this — 
whether we can overcome the evils which ignorance has 
brought upon us, and train that great body of men whom we 
have made freemen, and entrusted with the sacred right of 
the ballot, to properly appreciate the responsibility we have 
placed upon them. 

This race has V)een brought up as slaves, with little power 
of self-reliance, without education, with scarcely any knowl- 



29 

oflye of llie oovcrmncut under wliicli thev live, of the liijlits 
it coiifei-s or the sriiicrifices it (UMuniids. Creatiii'e.s of iiiiiiiilsc 
Mild piissioii. they Iiave been iiuide the t(»ols of con-iiiitioii in 
tile past, and are lii^eiv to he in tlie fiitiire. 

The iii'eat work of tlie intellisienee in our hind, is to con- 
Irol, to educate, and enlighten this raeo ; to make them un- 
derstand tliat lilierty is not license, hut a freedom of action 
recooniziiiii- the rights of all. 

This work of staylno; the i)rooress of corrii[»tion, crime 
and ignorance, might well appall us were it not that the 
events of the last few months demonstrate that the fountains 
of patriotism are not exhausted, and that our people are 
awakening to the necessity of higher and iKthler motives and 
action. 

We have seen, as a result of the late i)olitical contest, a 
great majority of our people resigning the claims of i)arty, 
and their just lu»pes of political and personal advancement, 
to the demand of constitutional law and their country's 
welfare. 

We realize the great reformation that is in progress in the 
direction of tenipei'ance and sobriety. We feel in every 
sect and denomination, an awakening interest in the cause 
of Christ and his teachings ; that the inhahitants of this 
land are considering more ])rofoundly their duty to (iod. the 
Killer of Nations. 

The movement of the |)reseut is toward the nobler and the 
1 letter. 

Self Sacrifice is the Itulwark of lilierty. 
Solirietv hecoineth a people, and righteousness exalteth a 
nation. 

Yes, feUow soldiers, we can b.di.'ve tliat wj have not 
fought in vain ; the generations of the future shall enjoy the 
blessings of the rnion we struggled to maintain. All over 
this land as they come, they shall see Church sjiires pointing 
up to the Creator, and the little flags on the graves of the 
dead shall shine like stars in the heaven of patriotism. 

Oh! Ye Myriads of the future, ye are coming like the 
waves of the ocean, resistless and ])o\verfiil, generation after 



30 

jrcMieration. to occupy and people this orpeat land. Behold 
your vast domain I A country stretchino- from the lakes to 
tlie sea, from ocean to ocean ; the beautiful hills and valleys 
of New Knoland : the Central States, witii millions of fertile 
acres ; the roUi^^■ prairies of the West, stretchin<>- almost be- 
yond the bounds of imaoinaiion ; the land of the Sinmy 
South, and the wonderful expanse on the Pacific Slope 

See ! The mighty rivers that can bear the commer(;e of a 
nation ; majestic mountains with peaks embracing the skies ; 
rushino^ streams Imping from dizzy h^'ights, the lovely 
beauty of the Norrli. and the grander scenes of the El 
Dorado. 

See I Wiiat an array of wealth, beauty and luxury awaits 
you I — Mountains tilled with glittering ores, ready for the 
hand of the Artist and the Artizan ; the flowers, shrubs and 
trees of every land ; the fruits and grains of every clime. 

( )h ! Ye Myriads of the future, ye come like the waves 
of the ocean, resistless and powerful, to perform the work 
allotted yon by the Creator in this dear land, liehold your 
glorious heritage! A Union founded by the toil and strug- 
gles of the fathers, and cemented anew with the blood of 
their sons ; a Constitution built upon principles of eternal 
justice, giving lib.Mty of conscience in the worship of God, 
and universal freedom, regulated by law and equity. 



31 



ADDRESS 



DEI.IVKKl) AT TIIK KKCNION OK THK 7tII, HtII AND IOtH 

MAINK KK<;iMKNTs<, IX UKSl'OXSK TO THK SKNTIMENT, 

"•THK VOl-l XTKKU.S." 

Fki.i.ow Soi.I)ikk!> : Yon have called mo to respond to a 
seutiment, to which I shall fail to do that justice which it 
demands. 

The founders of our institutions witli rare wisdom, de- 
termined and believed that with a syst^'m of ii^overnmant like 
c»urs. large standing armies were unnecessary, that a people 
who were free couKI be depended upon in every emergency 
to defend the flag of our country, both on land and sea. 

They believed that we should need uo large standing ar- 
mies, conscription, or enforced military service, but that 
with the great boon of self-governmont and friied.)m, would 
always be found that spirit of loyalty and patriotism which 
would impell the brave and the true to spring forward with 
musket and sword, ready to fight, and ready to die in de- 
fence of those principles which guaranteed freedom and 
equal rights to all. And the result has proved how truly 
they estimated the influence and the power of this precious 
boon of salf-governin.Mit. Never since our g.)v^ernm3nt was 
established have the people failed in the time of danger. 

When foreign powers have assailed us, when our borders 
were invaded, when the Union under which we had lived and 
prospered was threatened, volunteers, i-epresentatives of the 
great patriotic heart of the people, have come forward from 
the farm, workshop, counting-room, pulpit and forum, ready 
to suffer, ready to sacrifice, ready to die if it neeJ bj, that 
the country might live, and that the generations that are to 
come might enjoy th^ inestimable privileges they were enjoy- 
ing. And yet, fellow soldiers, with all th^ir wisdom, with 



?2 

all their faitli and i-ontldoncc. if our fathers couUl have 
I )oked into the future and beheld as in a vision, the treniend- 
oiis sacrifices that were to )>e required, the inin)ense nunil)ers 
of patriotic men wlio were to march in hattle array, the suf- 
ferinu', the wounded, and the dyinji-. in the oreat war of the 
Hehellion, would not their contidence have heen shakened. 
v.'ouhl they not have shrank hack appalled at the picture that 
apj)eared before them. 

And if thev could have lookt'd still farther into thefuturt', 
into the vears that have |)assed since the war ended, and 
have seen these oivat armies meltinu; away as if by maoic 
with the s<mnds of peace, their weapons cast aside, return- 
ino- quietly to the peaceful duties of life, would not they, 
who bv their acts ixpre^sed such conlldeiice in man's no})il- 
itv and power of self-government, have said amoni>; them- 
selves, this is oramler. nobler, better than we had dared to 
think, or even hope. 

For, oentlemen, it seen s to ine that this is one of the 
orandest things demonstrated by the war. that freemen <-an 
and will at a moments notice, i>rasp the nuisket for defense 
of their country, and as soon as daniier is p:,st, return to 
their homes unscathed by the temptations that surround a 
soldiers life, numy even nobler, better, truer men, because of 
the danger, the sufferings and the temptation they have en- 
countered and concjuered. 

Is it not true that i)i every station and condition of life, 
we lind the volunteers, in every ent^-rprise for the advance- 
ment of the peoi>le in prosperity and liajjpiness ; in our leg- 
islative halls, in our state governments, in the pulpit, and at 
the bar, we lind veteran volunteers ennobling and adorning 
the positions they occupied, and the part they have chosen 
in life's work. 

Look around in your state and see how your veteran vol- 
unteers have honored the state and themselves in positions of 
trust and honor. 

You find the voliuiti>ers in the van in business prospects, 
in enterprises for the advancement of your people in morals 
and virtue : leaders in social and religious lifi'. 



S3 

Yet, I venture to say, that not one of those you have 
honored with positions of trust and power, but would say to- 
day that they were prouder of their records as volunteers in 
defence of the Union, than of any gift or trust that had 
been or could be granted or bestowed. 

Fellow Soldiers, it has fallen to my lot to come among you 
to assume a great responsibility ; to take charge of one of 
those noble institutions which a grateful people have estab- 
lished, not as a duty, not as a gift, but as a matter of right 
and justice, due to brave men, who, in their country's service, 
lost health and strength, who are disabled and homeless ; 
veterans who were wrecked by the war, wrecked physically, 
wrecked mentally, and alas, others morally wrecked, 

I find men, who for twenty years have never known a mo- 
ments cessation from pain and suffering, who from the bat- 
tle-field to the present time, have never known the blessings 
of good health, yet I have never found one who did not 
glory in the fact that they had formed a part of the great 
volunteer army, or who for a moment regretted the past even 
in its suffering. 

I find men whose lives since the war have been lives of 
continued wrong doing, clinging to the recollections of the 
past, the noble impulse that carried them to the battle-field, 
the sufferings they endured, the sacrifices they made as vol- 
unteers, as the only atonement they can offer for their sub- 
sequent wrong doing. And, fellow soldiers, God is merciful. 

Fellow Soldiers, I congratulate you on your successful re- 
union. Gen. McClellan, in his farewell remarks to some of 
his officers, said very truly, ''that there was nothing more 
binding than the friendship of companions-in-arms." The years 
that have passed since the war ended, have placed some of us 
well down the decline of life, and the number of reunions for 
many will be few; yet we have the rich satisfaction, as we 
look around and see this great and glorious republic moving 
forward in its career of prosperity and power, the home of 
the oppressed of all nations, that when we shall have all 
passed away, a great people enjoying the blessings we 
fought to preserve — the father at table, the mother beside 
the cradle of her baba, th3 children by the hearthstone, will 
roajtjmUer and bless the voluntcei- armies of the Union. 



34 



ADDRESS 



T>ELIVEKF.I) AT TIIK OPKNING OF GUANP AKMV FAIR OF SETH 
WU.I.IAMS POST, AT AUGUSTA, MY.., 

DECEMBEK 11, 1883. 

Laiues axd Gentlemen: The Seth Williams Post, of 
the Grand Army of the Republic, have invited me to speak 
to you a few words of greeting at the opening of their Fair, 
and to appeal to your hearts and sympathies that their under- 
taking may prove a success, worthy of the liberality and 
patriotism of the people of Augusta. 

It has been truly said that when a nation forgets her de- 
fenders, when the heartfelt tributes of gratitude and love 
toward the brave and the true who have died for them are no 
longer paid ; when the generous impulse of the heart no 
longer prompts noble and liberal action toward those who are 
sick and suff^iring, b^icauso of th^ir devotion and sacrific3 on 
the march, in the camp, and on the battle-tleld, then has 
commenced an era of s..4fishness that marks a decline in 
greatness, prosperity and power. 

And surely, no where in the history of the world do we 
find that greatei' sacrifices have been made, greater suffering 
endured, more desperate battles fought, or moi-e glorious re- 
sults attained, than in the prolonged and bloody war which at 
last triumphantly vindicated the power and supremacy of the 
Federal Union and the Constitution, returning and guaranteeing 
to a reunited people, and the generations that were to come 
after them, a boon of freedom and equality more precious and 
glorious than was ever before vouchsafed, realized and en- 
joyed by any people under the light of God's sun. 

Look over our vast country, extending from the lakes to 
the sea, from ocean to ocean, teeming w^ith prosperity; 
cities, towns and villages, occupied by a people enjoying 



comfort and luxuries such as no other country enjoys, pro- 
tected l»y a «;overnnient and hiws wliich say to every one, 
honor, position and wealth are yours, if with honest purpose 
and earnest endeavor you strive to attain them ; no nobility 
acknowledj^ed but the nobility of intellect, education and 
virtue ; no entailed estate, no feudal ria;hts, but the right to 
attain and ac<piire property, station, position by earnest en- 
deavor, industry and education, guided and directed by an 
honorable ambition. 

And yet, fellow citizens, how often we fail to remember 
and realize the danger that threatened our people twenty 
years ago, how we forget the slight grasp we held upon these 
great privileges we are enjoy ini; ; like a dream appears the 
great war of the rebellion, with its marching armies, the 
bloody battle-fields, the dead and wounded, the weeping 
wives and mothers, the orphan children, the excitement, mis- 
ery and glory of war. 

It is only on occasions like these, when veterans, united 
by a bond of love and sympathy, made strong and lasting 
by the memoi'ies of mutual danger and suffering, come for- 
ward asking aid and kindness for their sick and destitute 
comrades, for the wives and children of those who are gone, 
that many remember the great struggle of the past, the bit- 
ter contests, the bloody battle-fields, and the glorious victory. 

It is only when they see in solemn parade veterans march- 
ing through the streets with garlands and flowers, toward the 
graves of the dead, that many pause in the midst of plenty, 
in the midst of happy, thoughtless lives, and the painful 
recollection comes to their hearts, that the blessings of peace, 
happiness and plenty have come to them through the sacri- 
fice of Uie lives of noble men, whose graves their surviving 
comrades will decorate and adorn. 

It is only when they see the sick and wounded soldiers 
struo-o-linff against pain and disease, fighting one continued 
battle for life and health, that many are reminded of the 
memorable days when these men, in the full flush of health, 
strength and honest manhood, went forward to fight for 
their country and for freedom. 



d6 

You can go into every part of the Union, and the people 
of every State with laudable pride will point to their own 
regiments, they will tell of the battle-fields on which they 
fought, of the noble devotion displayed, of the heroic deeds 
performed. They will tell of the brilliant achievements and 
the dashing charges made by their own soldiers, and you re- 
alize how strongly and truly the same pride of state, the 
same adrairution of brave and noble deeds pervades the 
whole line of the Union States. All are proud of their own. 

And I speak not the words of flattery, when I say that no 
State has more reason to be proud of her soldiers than this 
good State of Maine. 

I find them doing honor to themselves, even in the midst 
of disaster and defeat on the ill-fated battle-fleld of Bull 
Run. I find them doing their part with energy and strength 
in that masterpiece of engineering skill in front of Yorktown. 
I read of their valor at Hanover Court House, Williamsburg, 
Gaines Mills and Malvern, the early battles of the war. 
How well they p(?rformed their part on the hills and valleys 
at Antietam. I see them again, as they dashed across the 
bloody plain at Frederickbbiirg, and assisted in throwing 
back the enemy's charge at Chancellorville. I remember 
Gettysburg, when they stood in places of danger all the way 
from Culps Hill to Round Top. 

1 read of their devotion and suffering in the far South, at 
New Orleans and Port Hudson. I recall the gloomy forest 
of the Wilderness with its carnival of blood, the blood- 
stained field at Spotsylvania ; the terrible carnage at 
Cold Harbor, Petersburg and Five Forks, been witness to the 
courage, heroism and fortitude of the soldiers of Maine. 

From the first call to arms to the memorable day when the 
GREAT SOLDIER of the Confederacy placed his sword in the 
hands of one of your honored sons at Appomattox, I find a 
record of honorable action and brilliant achievements. 

And, ladies and gentlemen, it is for them and for the wives 
and children of those who have passed away, that the vete- 
rans ask your hearty co-operation and assistance in their 
enterprise this week. 



Wlien the duty on the battle-field ceased, when th > mus- 
terino-out papers released them from the danger of war and 
restored them to the deliiilits of peace and home, on? great 
ohligation still remained, demanding care and relief for their 
comrades who were poor and needy, who were in sickness or 
distress, dcMKinding constant vigilance that tlie widows anil 
orplians of those w iio were gone should not feel tlie pangs of 
hunger or lack for the comforts of life. For eighteen years tliev 
have ])erf()rme(l tliis duty, and must do so foi- maiiv years to 
come. Tliey could not neglect it if they would, tliev would not 
if they could. As the years roll on. increasing intlrmitv and 
increasing nuuihers add to tlie burden, and they must rely 
upon the liberal hands and generous hearts of the people to 
assist them in i)i'iforming this duty. I believe it is true that 
a seryice of tlu'ce years on the fields of th > Souti), tlie ex- 
posure, excitement and toil encountered, have made the lives 
of our soldiers to average fully ten years less than they 
would have b;^e!i had they remained at iiouie pursuing the 
ordinary duties of life ; and when we see them, as we often 
do, lacking energy, spiritless, and seemingly wautino- in aml)i- 
tion. we should rem'Mnb.M' th ' malarial swamps of the Soutli 
where they were compelled to live, the forced marches, un- 
suitable and scanty food, and the terril)le and unnatural excite- 
ment of liattie. whicli have sapped the tVnindntions of health 
and enervated the system. 

When your help is asked for those who, by their lives and 
conduct, have failed to come up to the standard of virtue, 
sobi-iety and industry, which society and virtuous living de- 
nuuids. will you remember that they have encountei-ed 
t'MUi^tations, such as ai'e seldom met in the regular paths and 
duties of life which have stimulated hidden appetites, and 
aroused passions and desires that at home might have re- 
mained concealed forever. 

These men are entitled to charity, not only in giving but 
in thought. They have trodden paths that were surrounded 
with dangers and temptations, the very andidot 's against 
disease that they were compelled to use. have aroused slum- 
bering appetites an I fierce passions whicli in their life's 
struggles they luu-,- failed tj con(iuer. 



And how shall I sponk for tho widows and the fathorloss. 
liow tittinoly paint tlie oVilioation that rests upon us that they 
sliould be cared for, sustained, and eneonraoed. Kverv day. 
i'very week men die. men. wlio in their life's duties ha\e well 
performed their work as good husltands. o()od fathers, oood 
citizens, but in their routine of daily life they have lived for 
tiiemselves and for those near to them, [laying perhaps the 
trilaites demanded by relioion. society and law. Their jiil- 
lows in sickness have been smoothed by lovino- iiands. com- 
foits and luxuries have l)een ishowered upon them, their 
spirits have passed away in the presence of those that were 
dearest to them, friends have paid their tributes of respect 
and grief over their remains, the monument or slab has been 
erected, and love will deck their graves with tlowers. Yet, 
with these consolations and recollections to sustain and eon- 
sole them, our hearts go out in pity for the widow and the 
fatherless, and to us their loss seems indeed hard to bear. 

Yet how kindly l*rovidence has dealt with them compared 
with those who mourn the loss of husl)ands and fathers who 
have died on the battle-field or in the hospitals of war. How 
painful the recollection must ite that husband, fatiier. or son 
have died in agony and pain upon tlie battle-tieUl or from 
lingering disease in hospitals far away, deprived of that care 
and attention which affection and kinship only can give, with 
no opportunity afforded for the performance of these oJllces 
(»f tenderness and comfort which love alone can prompt ; 
l)uried among strangers in graves unknown and unmarked- 
It would not be strange if bitter thoughts shouhl come up in 
tlieir hearts in spite of the glorious consolation that those 
thev mourn gave their lives in defense of home and 
countrv. for God and posterity. And harder still must b(> 
their lot if the loss of tiiose wlio were dear to them has en- 
tailed want and suffering and a hard struggle for existence. 

Ladies and gfutlemen. I invoke your constant aid and 
svmpatliy for them. 1 ask for generous action and giMierous 
thought to-night, that the heaits of the conu'ades of Seth 
Williams Post nuiy l)e made glad with the assurance that yon 
have sustained them so generously and nol)ly that they will 
want not for the means to suj)ply all wlio have the right to 
call iipc)n them for aid and assistance. 



39 



THE 32d MASSACHUSETTS 
VOLUNTEERS 

AT TIIK I'.ATTI.i; ol" I.AIUKI. Ull.r,.* VA. 

The 11th of May, 18()4, will long he remeinhered hy the 
soldiers of the Thirty-aeooiul Massachusetts Hegiment as a 
marked day in its history. ])ecause of the severe and disas- 
trous hattle in which it participated, Avhich for severity of 
losses, when the nuuihers engaged, and the short, sharp con- 
Hict, arc taken into consideration, can hardly he exceeded 
hy the reports from any other regiment tiiat was engao-ed 
during the war of the rebellion. 

* * * * * » * 

In furnishing an account of this battle, I am compelled to 
relate my own personal experience on that day, and may he 
pardoned for the constant use of the personal pronoun, for 
the reason that I cmi better illustrate the action of the regi- 
ment l»y relating my own experience and action. 

The regiment had crossed the Hajiidan with the Army of 
the Potomac under (ren. (rrant. had l>een engaged witii the 
enemy on the days of the oth, (ith and 7th of ^^av, in the 
Wilderness, and. on the night of the 7th, marched to tlie left, 
arriving in the vicinity of a point known as Laiu-el Hill, 
which is near Spottsylvania. <»n the inorning of the Hth dur- 
ing which day we remained in position, supporting the Filth 
Massachusetts Battery. On the morning of the l»th we took 
our position near Laurel Hill. <)ccu|)ing some low earthworks 
which had been thrown up the day previous by troops wiio 
bad taken the advance in the skirmishing when the van of 
tlie two armies came together, and (^en. (irant ascertaint'd 

*This l):ittl:' i< known in <>.1i>-iiil r.'C'<ii-il< m-; tlH' I{.iftl<' of Spf>ttsvlv;ini:i. 



40 

tluit Ills attempt to flank his skilful antaononist had beoiuiii- 
siieeessful. 

The appearance of the conntrv in this loeality is very sim- 
ilar to what may he seen in most parts of A'irginia — a sue- 
eession of liillsand valleys, admirably adapted for defence. 
Our position was in a valley near the foot of a hill, on wiiicli 
was stationed the I'nion picket-line ; beyond. anf)ther emi- 
nence where the enemy's pickets were located ; and still I'ar- 
Iher, Laurel Hill, occupied by a poi-tion of the army under 
the command of Hen. Lee (tliis last locality )>eino- probably 
a distance of about one-fourth of a mile from our i)osition). 
On the field between the two picket-lines, a skirmish had 
taken place on tiie Hth of ALiy ; and the dead Ijodies of om- 
soldiers remained upon the ground, unburied. it ])einsr impos- 
sible to reach them in safety in the face of the enemy. 

Fi'Oin the time we took tliis position, until the 12th we 
remained inactive, with exception of duties upon the picket- 
line. Our situation, however, was unpleasant in the ex- 
treme, forced as wc were to maintain a reclinino' position on 
account of the watchfulness of the enemy's sharpshooters, 
who made a target of every one whf)was reckless enough 
to stand erect. In addition to this annoyance, the weathei" 
was a succession of sunshine and showers, burning with 
heat, and then drenching us with i-ain. This operated fear- 
fully upon the dead bodies of tiie slain left npon the field. 
HUlno' the air witli a stench disgusting and almost suffo- 
cating. 

On the morning of the I'itii. Oen. (iritiin. commander of 
the fh'st division, Fifth Corps, sent for me. and gave me 
orders to take command of the division picket detail, and 
advance it as a line of skirmishers npon the Confederate 
works, informing me that he should send after me, at once, 
the second brigade, consisting of the Sixty-second Pennsyl- 
vania and the Ninth and Thirty-second Massachusetts Regi- 
ments, for an assault npon the enemy's line directly in our 
front. 

I proceeded at once to ])erfoi'm the duty required of me, 
and on arriving at the front found the picket-line (which con- 



41 

sisted of details from a number of regiments l)elon<>ln<2j to 
the division), stationed in ritle-pits dng into the hrow of the 
hill, a number of feet apart, tlu'ee men ocenpyiuii- each pit. 

This line was so extended, that some eonsideiahle time 
was consumed in eommunicatino- mv orders to the otiicers in 
command of the several regimental details, which were, that 
at a oiven signal they should move forward at once from 
their position, deploying as they advanced. The prepara- 
tions, however, for tlie advanc- of the main column had 
startled the enemy, who commenced a heavy fire of artillery, 
which swept the top of the liill where my line was stationed. 
This fire was so fierce, that the officers could not force their 
men forward as I desired. A few started, only to be shot, 
or to fall back again. In vain I expostulated, entreated, 
threatened. The men were so widely separated that it was 
impossil)le to control them. A few of the l)ravest would 
start forward, but woul 1 be compelled to return for want of 
support. 

I recollect the action of the ofHcer in command of the 
Ninety-first Pennsylvania detail, who, upon my threats of a 
court-martial for cowardice, sprang up, and, waving his 
sword, shouted to his men to come on ; but unfortunately, a 
fresh volley of cannist or and shell cam^ tearing over the hill, 
and he dropped into his holo again, from vvliich no threats 
could re;i!Ov<' him. 

"While stri. iug to [ush my men forv,urd, I looked liack, 
;ind saw the assaulting columns, under tlie command of Col. 
l^rescott. advancing in good order. It came over my picket- 
line, down the hill to the next, then forward to the foot of 
the next, when the men faltered under the terril)le fire they 
encountered, and lay down within a short distance of the 
enemy's lines. 

Looking over the brow of the hill, I saw with dismay that 
mv own regiment was exposed to a terrible fire, not only in 
its front, but also to a cross-fire on its left flank, which must 
soon cut it to pieces ; and yet no effort was being made to 
relieve the brave men from their exposed position. With a 
thought only of the safety of the regiment. 1 started at 



42 

onee t > join it. Tcnii iiardly fiiul words to descrilie the fear- 
ful ijaimtlet I ran while making my way to the regimen't. 
Exposed to th? lire of tiie rebel line, the whizzing hullets, 
shot tearing up the ground all around me. shells l>ursting 
over mv head, it s?ems a miracle that I reached my destina- 
tion in safety, which, thank God. I did. aftM- showing a rate 
of speed that would have astonished my friends at hom3, and 
suffering no injury excepting a rent in my coat made l)y a 
piece of shell. ' "' ''' 

Proceeding directly to the left, I inquired why they did 
not go forward, or at least do something to protect them- 
selves from almost certain death. I lecollect that Capt. 

answered that they were being cut to pieces without a 

chance of defending themselves, Directing the men to draw 
their bodies along on tiie ground, and get more under the 
protection of the hill. 1 turned, and saw that tlie i-egiments 
on the rigiit had broken, and were falling back thoroughly 
disorganized ; and there was nothing left for the Thirty- 
second to do but to reti'eat. Calling njjon the men to fall 
back and save themselves if i)ossil)le, we started on our re- 
treat, which was far more disastrous tlian the advance. 

The rebels poured ujion us an incessant fire of shot and 
shell, reaping down our noble soldiers like grass before the 
scythe, men falling at almost every stei), killed or wounded. 
In the Thirty-second, live c.)lor-b?arers fell before the colors 
reached our old i;osition l)ehiud the works. Once, looking 
Ijack, I saw our Hag had been left upon the lield, and Col. 

and myself turned to bring it back at all hazards, when 

another brave soldier took it only to fall in his turn. And 
here, I might add. that the rain commenced falling in tor- 
rents, while Heaven's artillery united with the cannon of the 
()i)posing ar.uies, only to make th3 scene more fearful and 
terrific. I think no words can give so accurate an idea of 
the terrible fire to which we were subjected, as the statement 
that the Tliirty-second took into that fight about one hundred 
and ninety men (a i)oition of the i-egiment being on picket 
dutv) ; and of this number <uie luuidred and three were 



43 

killed and woundi'd. all in the short spnee of less than tufhty 

MINUTK.S. 

« * * * * * * 

Late in the afternoon I rode to the hosi)ital of the first 
division, which was located some distance at the rear. The 
men who were wounded, and ahle to walk, were being sent 
forward to make their way to Fredericksburg ; while those 
severely wounded were loaded into the heavy baggage wag- 
ons, lying upon a few pine boughs. When we consider that 
these poor men were transported in these a chicles, without 
springs to relieve the motion, to Fredericksburg, a distance 
of nearly fourteen miles, a considerable portion of which was 
over a corduroy road, made of logs, we can imagine the an- 
guish and pain they endured during their fearful ride. En- 
tering the hospital tents, I found six olfieers of my own reg- 
iaieut wounded, lying side by side: two of them, alas ! I 
never saw again. 

* * * * « * » 

ily visit, howv'ver, was cut short by a message from the 
regiment, informing me that we had received orders to move ; 
and, on hastening back, I found that we were to manh at 
nightfall. 

►Silently we moved away froui this place, leaving our dead 
and many wounded on the field to the tendv.'r mercies of 
strangers, and i)erhaps foes, and carrying with us, bitter, 
sad, recollections of the day and the locality. Our march 
was to Spottsylvania ; there again to fight, only to move 
forward again, and again to fight, and so to continue until 
we had finished that terrible campaign, which might have 
been traced by a line of blood, extending from the Kapidan 
to the James. 



44 



McCLELLAN AND GRANT. 

^More than sixtoon years liave passed away since Lee snr- 
renderecl his little army of less than r5(),()0() men to Grant 
and a Union force of 12"), 000 at Appomattox. The people 
of the North, in their exnberant joy at the termination of a 
contest which was consuming the blood, wealth and energy 
of the nation, with hardly a thought of the t?rrn)le losses 
and conditions by which (irant had won his final success : 
scarcely heeding the desolate homes, tiie widows' tears, the 
fatherless children, the agony and pain of the wounded and 
diseased which had followed in the wake of his advance, as 
he moved witli stubl)orn will in his terrible process of jjound- 
ing, awarded him unstinted i)raise, exclaiming, with un- 
bounded enthusiasm, --(ireat is Grant !" l*oliticians, seizing 
cagerlv at the opportunity of obtaining and retaining polit- 
ical power, fanned the Hame, smothering the groans of the 
wounded, the cries of the desolate, the recital of unequal 
losses and unequal forces, with cries of ''(^reat is Grant!" 

Other generals of skill and bravery were ignored and mis- 
represented, their mistakes magnified and distorted, the very 
nobility and purity of their characters sneered at and ma- 
ligned, that Grant might be glorified. No one of our gen- 
erals has been so constantly the tai-get for th^; shafts of mal- 
ice, dishonesty and misrepresentation as General McClellan, 
the first commander of the glorious Army of the Potomac, 
whose skilful hand moulded it into the great engine of pow- 
er which entered so largely into the work of conquering the 
South. My purpose in this article is to make a comparison 
between McClellan and Grant as to their military action in 
Virginia, and to show the varied conditions under which thev 
marched and fought. To do this accurately and intelligent- 
ly, we must examine the conditions of the armies when 



I.". 



under tlieir conunand, the political influences which sup- 
ported or hindered each, and the nuuiher and condition of 
the Confederate forces at different periods, (ieneral Mc- 
Clellan took conunand of the army when it was simply a 
mass of men, unskilled even in the use of the nnisket, with 
otticers in most part io;norant of the duties of soldiers, hav- 
ing neither hy educ:ition nor exp«'rieuce, fitted themselves 
for tlieir position. One spirit, however, animatv'd them all, 
and that was the true spirit of patriotism. They enlisted 
not for bounties av pay, l»ut with that real love of countrv 
and enthusiasm for the old flag which had aroused the North 
throughout its length and hreadth. Although they were en- 
tirely inexperienced in almost everything that appertains t<» 
war, yet they were actu.ated iiy that intense patriotism which 
in the later years of the contest burned not so strong and 
pure : for, as time progressed, the bounties became larger 
and the army nutre mercenary. The summing up on this 
jjoint would be, that while McC'lellan's army was not so 
thoroughly disciplined -and drilled, the men not so thoroughly 
examined as to physictd health and strength, and lacking 
experience which aided the soldiers in later days, yet in spirit 
and enthusiasm it excelled the armv when it moved under 
(Irant. To this patriotic feeling nuist be addt^l the love and 
confidence entertained by McC'lellan's men for their coui- 
mander. emotions which (Irant exciti'd only to a very limited 
extent. Whether this patriotic feeling and devotion to their 
general was an offset to the greater endurance and experi- 
ence of the army when (irant took command, is a point dif- 
ficidt to <letermine. Let us now l<»ok at the condition and 
efticiencv of the army at various jieriods, as contrasted with 
the condition and efliciency of the Confederates under (ien- 
eral Lee. It nuist be acknowledged that at the outset of the 
rebelli;»n the Southerners were in better training for war than 
the people of the North. This decision would apply espe- 
cially to the men of tiie New England and Middle States, 
who composed the larger part of the army of tlu' Potomac. 
'I'he |;rt'\ious life and habits of the Southern people led lluni 
eonstantiv to the use of the nai&k<'t : they were good marks- 



4(; 

iu<u. hahitual luinters. and mnro aeoiistonied to the exposure 
an I liar(lslii|) of out-door life. They had for years l)een ed- 
ucated into tlie i(h'a that war uiiuht couie, and there was no 
s.'ntinientalisni atiainst it. Horseback ridino- was the rule 
rather than the exception, and their animals for years had 
1) ' n bred and trained in a direction to make them eflicient 
in this kind of service. 'I'hc ('(nifederate cavalry was en- 
li^;* >d from the Ix'st blood of the South, men. cojnpelled by 
t!icir peculiar ideas re»iardinii- the '• code of honor." to make 
themselves ellicient in the use of the carbine, pistol and sa- 
in- >. On the contrary, the Inion army was made up largely 
fivnn our mechanics, laborers, professional and business men. 
who had oiven their time and attention to the arts of peace 
rather than of war. They had been instructed to believe 
that war was wron<i and inniecessary. and that it could ever 
come in our connti-y was almost an imi)ossi1iility. As a 
consequence, skilled men in the use of arms could be found 
onlv to a limited exti'Ut. and as for the cavalry service, skil- 
ful horsemen were rarely enlisted. The tirst thiiiii- necessaiy 
after foi'miuii' a cavalry oro-.-mization was to instruct otliceis 
and pi-ivates in the art of ridinu". Therefore if other conditions 
wer ' equal, as far as experience and elliciencv Wv're coi c>M-ned. 
the C'onfe<lerat>' army was relatively more formidable when 
it fouiiht a;^ainst (JeiuMal McC'lellan than when it encotni- 
tered (ieneral (iraut on the bloody line from the Hapidan to 
the .James. 1 speak especially of the infantry and cavalry. 
In the \ise of artillery, the South had no advantaoe of ex- 
nerience ovi'r the North. :ind it was com-eded that in this 
b.-anch of nervice the liiionists always excelled. Hut as 
time passi'd on our infantry and cavalry improved, and 
under (J rant the advantaiie. particulai'ly in the latter service, 
was with tiie I'nion army. Two or thit'c years' experience, 
had "iven us veteran soldiers, men versed in the use of arms, 
skilful horsemen, improved weapons and equipments, while 
the limiti'il means of the Confederates had reduced them to 
dire necessities as far as arms. e(pii|)ments and horses wer.; 
concerned. With reyard to the physical condition of the 
men. the ad\ant:i<4i' was li'reatlvon the side of (Ji'ant. When 



the (Irst enlistments were nuide. the exnniininL'" snri>oons. se- 
lected oftentinie in haste and without niiicli leoard to fitness, 
j)asse(l men who were almost worthless when they came to 
hard service. So anxious were men to enlist thai strutamMii 
and deceit were frequently employed. ]Men too old for llui 
duties of war used various devices to hide the fad ; points 
of weakness were concealed, and hundreds, ves thousands, 
were enlisted who could not endure the e\|)osuiv and lahor 
of the camp and the march. To this fact more than any 
other is to he attrihuted the heavy losses by disease in Oeii- 
eral McC'lellan's connnand while on the l^'uin.sula, a fact 
that is studiously ignored hy his opponents wIkmi the ques- 
tion is disi'ussed. Uefore (ieneral (irant took command a 
new order of thin<>s had been establisheil in this particular. 
'I'he whole business of examinations had l)i'en systematized, 
stringent rules and regidatif)ns estal»lislied. and comi)ara- 
lively few diseased and imperfect men got into the service. 
The weak men had Iteen weeded out, and the result was an 
army of great «'ndurance and physical power. On the con- 
trary, the physical condition of the Confederat' armies was 
reduced by the lack (»f go. >d mateiial from wliich recruits 
could be selected. 

(Jeiieral (irant may be almost truthfully designated as a 
lucky man. and tliis was never moi'e forcibly shown than in 
his campaign in N'iiginia. as fai' as the weathei-is concerned. 
Every soldier, who h:is had experience in that State, knows 
how the ditliculties of cam|iaigniiig ai\' increased by wet 
wi'ather. Successful operations are almost impossible under 
these circumstances. IJut during tlu' cauipaign of l.SC. 4 there 
w.is an almost constant succession (»f pleasant d.ays ; the 
trains moved over dry. hard roads, while the streams were 
l.)W and easily forth'd. Tlu're was uotiiing in the weather to 
prevent rajMd and successful movements by the aiiny. 'I'he 
season of llSil'i. on the contrary, was most em|ihalically a 
continuance of rainy weath.'r. In the same localities, where 
Grant found fordalile str»>ams. dry river-beds, penetrable 
swaini^s. and liar<l. dusty roads. ^McClellan eneouutered 
rushinu, torrents, ponds and s'm.s of mud. 



48 

^'erv few j^eople ouside of our armies and those directly 
iiit-rested in their movements consider liow important an 
Ui£. ncy transportation is in controllinfj; and directinj; military 
opi'rations. They fail to consider the immense trains that 
move with the marchino: forces, or of the difficulties that 
tiuv often briny, sometimes paralyzing and destroying the 
hi'bt laid plans, and turning what seemed an assured success 
into failure. The general who had the power and opportu- 
nity' to reduce his trains to the minimum was fortunate in- 
di'.'<l, and his chance's of success more certain. When (len. 
MeClellan commenced his campaign on the Peninsula his 
orders for the reduction of the number of wagons to about 
four for each regiment was reeeived with a howl of indigna- 
tion in the North. So closely were the hearts and sympa- 
thies of the peojjle bound up in the comfort of the soldiers 
that this reduetion in wagon accounnodations, l)y which the 
soldiers were to be deprived of comfort and convenience, 
seemed cruel and nnni*<*essary. It was (ieneral McClellan's 
misfortune that he was in conunand liefore the people liad 
been educated as to what war really meant. On the other 
hand, in l.S(;4, (leneral Grant was applauded rather than 
censured when he reduced the wagon accouHUodations to the 
capacity of about one-half a wagon for each regiment. To 
be sure, we werv' deprived of nearly every convenience, but 
the service gained immensely by the reduction in the length 
of the trains, and \n this respect t'.ic advantage was very 
much in Grant's favor. 

The war was commenced with the understanding that it 
was to be waged for the suprem::ey of the I'nion. for the 
honor of the Hag and the preservation of the form of gov- 
ernment under which we had lived and prospered. It was 
declared through the i>ress. upon the rostrum, by speech and 
resolution, and by the declaration of I'resich'ut Lincoln him- 
self, that the right of tiie various States to control their do- 
mestic affairs was not to ))e invaded, and that it was not a 
war against the institution of slavery. Shivery was not to 
be interfered with excepting so far as the usages of war 
authorized and demanded. 



49 

T/pon ail}' other terms our armies could not liave been 
raised. Tlie fighting men at the commencement of the re- 
bellion came largely from the citizens who supported Doug- 
lass, Breckenridge and Bell, while the generals were almost 
entirely from the conservative ranks. They believed in the 
principles afterwards laid down by McClellan in his Harrison 
Landing letter, and were eager to fight and ready to shed 
their blood in defending those principles. But another party, 
not soldiers, were striving to place the contest upon a differ- 
ent basis ; tiiey liv'lieved that the war should end onlv when 
slavery was destroyed. They were led by zealous, strong 
men, such as Ben Wado, Thaddeus St.;vens, Sumner and 
others, who believed it their duty to prevent the closing of 
the war until every slave was freed. They placed themselves 
at once in an attitude of hostility to General McClellan, put- 
ting barriers in his path toward success, for they knew full 
well that the capture of the Confederate capital by that offi- 
cer would, in effect, strengthen the Uuion men of the Old 
Dominion; that when Virginia was separated from the Con- 
federacy the backbone of tlie rel>ellion was broken. A dis- 
tinguished leader of this party was asked after McClellan's 
retreat to Harrison's Landing, why the government did not 
supi)ort jNIcClellan with McDowell's command? " Becauso 
we are not ready to take IJiuhmond yet," was the answer. 
In their schemes they were aided Jiy tlu' uus'Tupulous, ambi- 
tious Stanton, who hated McCUellan with all the bitterness 
with which one man sometimes hates another who is lii,"h 
above him in purity of character and nobility of purpose. 
Towerful influences were brought to bear upon the President, 
Ihe results of which were seen in his failure to support Mc- 
Clellan wath McDowell's corps upon the Peninsula, and his 
removal at Warrenton just at the time when he had sepa- 
rated the two wings of the Confederate forces and was in a 
position to strike a deadly blow. 

President Lin<'oln, if his own statement is to be taken, 
never lost his confidence in (ieneral McClellan's ability as a 
commander, but he succumbed to political pressure, and par- 
alyzed in a measure his ge-neral's eff"(jrts. Tlierr is anolhcr 



r,i) 



poiiil to lit' coii^itlriiMl in llii> coiiiK-dioii. and llial is. llu' 
pi'opU' li:i(l not lu'iMi edncati'd to look witli indittVicnce ui)t)n 
tlic horrors of wnr : they wcmv uppallod at the nnml.cr of tlu' 
dead; tlii'ir hearts \>U'(] when they looked npon the woiinth'd 
and dvinu' ; and more than all. they overestiniati'd their pow- 
er and ability to concpier the Sonth. nn(h>rrated the streiiuth 
of the «'neniy. and were impatient of the delays and failnres 
to which thev heeame well accustomed in the last years of the 
contest. (ieiH'ral (irant experienced none of these ditlicul- 
ties. Placed almost in supreme connnand. freed from the 
harrassino- interference of Sttinton and Ilalleck. with no \)o- 
litical hindrances (foithe (piestions reoardinu' slavery were 
virUiallv setth'd). he had only to lead his way auainst the 
enemv withont fi'ar of stttacks on his iH'ar fi'om so-called 
friends. ^Nlore than this, the people had heeii acciistouuMl to 
the terrible results of war; the national lu'art had urown 
callous and se:u\'d as re<i:inls the number of dead and thi> 
surtVrinus of tlie wounded, and the ft-arfnl slauiihter in 
(Jrant's campaijiii, which at the commencement of the war 
would have subjected .McCIellan to popular denunciation, 
was looked uj)on almost with iiiditti'renc '. 

Streiiii'lh of the Armies. — (ieiieral McCIellan entered u;ion 
the Peninsula campaiun with a force of PiO. ()()(> men. but 
before the movement was be<>un portions of his army were 
withdrawn from his command, leaving- about N.'t. (»()(> for im- 
mediate opei'ations. In his front was Yorktown. foi'tilied by 
stronii' woi'ks. which had lieen erected with care and skill, 
and (U'ft'uded bv a force of ."».'). 0(10 men. which was soon in- 
ci'eased to ;');>. 000. lie understood the advantao-e of liuht- 
iuii" behind stronu' works, and wisely determined not to 
shiuu'ht.n- his men in useless assaults. i»nt t ) fore' tli • en 'inv 
from his position by enuineerinu skill or tiauk movements. 
The wisdom of this decision was afteiward vindicate(| by 
IJurnside in the bloody repulse at Fredeiicksbnru' and by 
(irant in m-arly every attack he juade from the Kapidan to 
the James. 'I'he enemy was forced from his works with a 
trlHinii' loss of life on our side. W'iHi.-imsbin'ii' and Hanover 
Court House were the scenes of successful battles. Tin' bat- 



r>i 



til' of Scvt'ii Pint's u:is rou^lil. the ('..nrcd.'nitc coininaudor. 
•lolinstoii. uoiiiKli'd. :iii(l .\Ic{ 'l('ll:iii found liiinsclf confioiittd 
witli (Jencrnl Lee iiiid :i force of 100. ()()() men. |>roli:dtlv llic 
l:iri;t'st :iriny cvci- collected touctlier hy fjie ri'Keis in \'ii-- 
uiniri. With :in nrniy nnmericidly hirucr fjmn .McClellan's, 
I.ee expected to (k'strov tlu' I'liion forces. The ••seven 
d:i\s' Ijoht" followt'd. hnt .Mc("le!!:in ont-ni;in(en\ red nnd de- 
feated his skiifnl untMuonist. s;i\ed his nrniv :ind inllicted :i 
ios.s of -JO. 000 ni)f)n tlie eiu'niy while snlferinu- -'i l<»ss of 1.").- 
000 in killed, wonnded :ind niissino-. In on.' of these t>:it- 
tles. tlnit of (;:unes' .Mills, the Tnion loss \v;is hnt little less 
tlnni the Confedenitc. In I.S(;4 (Jencnd (Inint fonuht in the 
siime locnlity the hnttle of Cold llarhor. losing- l.'t.OOO men. 
while inllictiiiii' :i loss upon the enemy of onlv i . 100. notwitlu 
standinu- his force was three to one as compared with (ieiie- 
ral Lee'-s. Let ns look at .McClellan's c:impaiun in Marv- 
land : Reports mride under directions of (Jeneral Hanks, 
who was antiiorized to procure from sconts. spies and other 
sonrees frwm i'elial)le iid'orniation as to the numher of Lee's 
forces, placed his strength at DT.OOO. while on p.-iper (iene- 
I'.-il .McC'l. 'Han's ar:ny numberi'd .ST.OO.). 15nl if the truth 
could lie :ictnally ol.tained. these liMin-es would he found to 
he incorrect in iiotli cases. I mean, that ni'ither o-eneial car- 
I'ied into the Autietam (inht the nnmh.'i- of men stated in 
these reports. 'I'lie estininte of Lee's strenuth was lireiitlv 
overstated: yet the r.'poii r^'c-'ived l»y (li'neral .McCIellan in 
this pai-ticular inlhit'nced him very stn-n^lv in his decision, 
when he conclndt'd not to renew the hattle the next dav. hut 
to wait until his reinforcem -nts had arrived. In point of 
fact. Lee can-ii'd into the hatlL' of Aniiefam not ovei' ."»,").- 
000 men. liut he foU!:iht in a splendid position. li,'hiiid leducs. 
sunken roads, ston*' w:dls and an admirahle Sv'rii's of natu- 
ral (U'fences. (Jeneral .McCIellan. on the other hand, was 
the assanltinu' jiai-ty. and his forct- wry much smaller in the 
actual lliiht than the I'eports woidd lead one to suppose. The 
army started from Washiuuton worn, weary and demoial- 
ized. in consetpu'nce of its defent and snfferiu'^ in the Lull 
Kuu <'ampaii;u. and the men strauuled in lariiC numiiers. in 



52 

fact, they were scattered all along the line of the march 
from Washington to Sharpsbnrg, I believe no accurate i-eport 
of the number of men actually present at the battle was 
ever received by the commanding general. The officers of 
a company or regiment usually reported the number who 
should have been present, expecting, of course, that those ab- 
sent would soon rejoin their commands. It would in many 
cases have subjected them to censure for inefficiency in the 
performance of their duties if the actual number of absent- 
ees had been reported, and I am convinced that not over 
60,000 men were present in the Union army at the battle of 
Antietara. It should be remembered iu this connection that 
we mai-ched through a friendly country, and there was but 
little danger of capture by the enemy. General Grant's 
route was iu the enemy's territory, and the men were forced 
to the alternative of keeping up with their commanders on 
the march, or run the risk of cai)ture, with the horrors of 
Audersonville. 

Grant's Campaign. — The Union army, which was placed 
under Grant in Virginia, numbered 14(),000 men, cxc-Uisivo 
of the army of the James. It was known in tho army, and 
of course Grant was not ignorant of the fact, th:it Loe had 
a force of about 50,000 men to oppose him. The propor- 
tion of reinforcements that reached Grant before his cam- 
paign ended, as compared with the addition to F.e>''s lorce, 
was fully three to one, yet it cannot be denied that in every 
battle which we fought, from the oth of May until the 22d 
of June, the Union men were re[)ulsed. Tiie superior skill 
and generalshii) of Lee was apparent in every movement. 
Lee took Grant at a disadvantage and compelled him to 
fight in the Wilderness ; he cheeked his advance at Spottsyl- 
vania, placed him in a humiliating position at North Anna 
and threw back his assault at Cold Harbor with a loss of ten 
to one. When Grant arrived at the l)ank of the James liis 
losses amounted to 60,000, while Lee's casualties did not 
exceed 18,000. Crossing the James, (J rant found Lee again 
in his front: he was repulsed in his ailvance toward I'et ts- 
buruf, and then settled down with his arniy at that point 



there to reinain from June until tlie succeedinji April. At 
no time (liirini>- this terrihle campaiiiii did (JranT. hv militurv 
skill or strategy ol)tain any advantaoe over his opponent. 
Durino that long siege, portions of the Confederate line were 
held with the men more than twenty feet apai-t. and when at 
last the line was broken, only 2<),0()() men were surrendered 
to the victors, about one-half of whom were vvith(Mit arnjs. 
They surrenderd. as I ivmarked at the beuiiming of this 
article, to a Inion force of more than 12."».()()0. There 
would be humiliation in the statement if the fearful record 
of the killed and wounded did not proclaim the braverv of 
the I'nion men. Many soldiers who fought with both Mc- 
Clellan and (irant are j'lskiug when the glamour that seems to 
envelope the minds of the people res|)ecting the war will be 
dispelled ; wlien the day of justice will come. 'J'hey ask 
that the campaigns under these two |)rominent leaders be 
compared, battle with battle, movenu-nt with movement, with 
a calm and honest view of the circumstances and conditions, 
believing that the apparent judgment of the present will be 
reversed, and that McC'lellan will take his true position as 
the greatest among the generals of the Union. 



54 



McCLELLAN'S CRITICS. 

A volume has Ihhmi iveontly jmblislied by the Militarv His- 
torical Society of Massachusetts, oiviuo' the statements and 
ideas of various writers reoai'ding the campaion of General 
]Mc( lellan on the peninsula. If, in subsequent papers which 
are to be jjublisheil l>y this society, we oet no more imi)ar- 
tial. candid and accurate reviews of military operations dur- 
ing the late war. Imt little will be accomi)lished, so far as 
this oroanization is conceined. toward oivintj; correct or just 
coiH'lusions reoardintr the various campaiofus and movements 
treated. The volume undei- consideration is especially a 
criticism upon (!cn. McClellan. and most of the writers aj)- 
pear to be tlioronuhly imbued with the prejudice aoainst that 
ottlcer. which has been so unceasinoly cultivated and fos- 
tered for the last IN years for jjolitical ol»jects, foi- the pur- 
pose of coverin<>- up the blunders and crimes of certain ofti- 
cials connected with tlu' administration and for bolsterinu' 
up the reputations of othei' oeneials. The writers may be 
unconscious <^)f this feelino' of prejudice, but it must be ap- 
l)arent to the critical reader who closely analyzes the articles. 
For instance, many important points are left in doubt as to 
(ien. McClellan's reasons for certain movements and actions, 
which could be readily solved by persons who are familiar 
with the facts, and certainly by Gen. McC'lellan himself, yet 
it is certtiin the true solution has never Iteen souoht from 
that distiniiiiislu'd oentleman. If this l>ook is to have any 
intlueuce in educatluj> the people upon the history of the pe- 
ninsular campaijiu. it is no more than just and rioht that the 
true facts and reasons should be ol)tained and stated, and 
not the va<>ue conjectures aiul lame conclusions with which 
till' book abounds. It is easv for a writer, after the war is 



over, now tliat soinc points which wci-c in doiihl c.'in he 
solved, whicli conhl not he nscertnincd ;it tlic (imi' liy the 
C'onunaiiding iionend, to state what or<;in to liave hccn done, 
and wliat micht have ])een (h>ne, hnt the fair, hom'st iutk- 
ment of an otlieer's conduct and tiction shonhl he hased npon 
tlie cii'cnnistances and knowhulye which iiiHnenced his move- 
ments at the time. For instance, if McCMeUan had known 
that only 1 (),()()() men were opposinu' •'i"i at Vorktown. as is 
stated in this book, his conrsi' would proliaMv have lieen 
different, but Jiis information placed a nnich larijer force in 
the works, and a common-sense view of the action likelv to 
be pni'sued by the enemy would sustain the information. 
There was a lar^fer force, notwithstandin«i,- the assertions 
of the writer referred to. There miiiht have been onlv 10,- 
000 men under Magruder when McClellan landed upon the 
peninsula, but before his army was in condition to move, the 
force was increased to 8"), 000, and McClellan was undoubt- 
edly rijiht in i)referrin<i" to take the works bv en<iineerin«j- op- 
erations, instead of attemi»tinu to carry them by assault, 
with a large loss of nuMi and a fair jtrospect of defeat, (ien. 
McClellan knew from the lirst, what the country afterward 
leaiiied by bitter experience, that the talk of carivino- works 
by storm which was so c<^»mmon at the commenccMuent of the 
war, was mostly sheer nonsense, unless the attackinsj- force 
was overwhelminuly lartiv. The reason McClellan did not 
move mori' (piickly was tiie fearful confusion with which sup- 
plies, wagons, amumnition. etc.. were landed at F<jrt Mon- 
roe. Many of the failures of the war can be traced directiv 
to the inettlciency of the (piartermaster's and ordinance' de- 
partments in Washington ; to the incompet.'ut, iiresijonsible 
and oftentimes intemperate otlicers who had charge of affairs 
in that city. For instance, wagons were imperativelv needed 
in the peninsula to transport the food and ammunition for 
the army, yet the bodies were shipi)ed in one vessel, the run 
ning gear in another, and the wheels in another. If a ves- 
sel was detained or lost (as was the case), a huge numl»crof 
wagons were rendered useless. The ammunition was mixed 
togethei' (the vai'ious kinds and different calibri's) in ih,' 



:.(; 



ore:, test confusion. The jK-ople wore wonderino' why Mc- 
(1 .Uiin did not move, wlien he had neither the necessary 
food, jinnuunition nor transportation to feed, fight and move 
Ills :.rniv. It would consume the space of a vohime as laraje 
as the one uimUm- consideration to "ive an exj^osition of the 
errors, Uotli in fact and judonient. with which the book 
abounds. In tiic paper written by John C. l?oi)es there is no 
Ix'tt.r iUnstration of the wortldessness of the opinions ad- 
vanced than tlie statement of tlie committee that it was un- 
abU' to find any ,<>rcat advantajje in the peninsnhir phin over 
th.'plan of a campaijiu a<>aiust IJicliniond by the way of the 
l{api(h»u and IJappaiiannock. exce|)tinu- such as may perhaps 
residt from the nature of the country. One wouhl suppose, 
if tiiere was any one fact ihat was conchisively and defi- 
nitelv settled duriuji the war )iy blood and carnaoe, it was 
the truth of McClellan's declaration, made at the start, that 
a canii»ai«in by the way of the two rivers above mentioned, 
nuist residt in failuie, because the whole country abounded 
in natural defences, liuinsicb' and Hooker proved it. If it 
is not so, thecanipaijiu in 1.S04, under (irant was commanded 
bv an imbecile. If it was not so. why was Fa'C with less 
than '».'). (H)(l men able to whip (J rant and an army of 14r.,()(»0 
in everv battle? On the othei- hand, every skilful otticer or 
soldier who is familiar with the t>round knows that the pe- 
ninsida is not adapted for defensive warfare. In fact, lioth 
of the confe«lerat>' jjcncrals. Johnston and Lee. declared it 
untenable. 

In the second papi'r. by (Icn. .John ('. Palfrey, the writei- 
consumes some twenty-nine })au('s uivin<i a<-counts of n:iv:il 
operations ay.ainbt tixed batteries and forts, none of wiiich 
have anv especial connection with the peninsular campait^n. 
'llie obj»(t is to show that (!en. McC'lellan was mistaken in 
his idi'as that the batteries on the York river could have 
been reduced by the navy. As (Jen. McClellan ditl not at- 
tempt to carry out this plan, it is of little importance in 
connection with his moveuKMits. As a result of the (piota- 
tions-:. howevei'. it is made apparent that, at the beoiuning of 
llu' war. most of the naval olllccrs and many army ollicers 



07 

had o-reat oonfidenoo in the cftlciency of tho nuvv in this lino 
of service. If MeC'lellan really entertained the same l»eli<'f, 
it was in common with the generally accepted opinion anioiii)- 
military men, arisino- from the fact that no thorough test had 
been made. After the experience of the war, the writer of 
the article is enabled to state very confidently that the i>lan 
of reducing the works by the use of the navy was not fea- 
sible. He goes on to state the advantages and disadvanta- 
ges of the several plans proposed by Gen. McClellan for 
driving the enemy from the works at Yorktown, and llnallv 
is compelled to admit that the i)lan adopted was successful 
in the end, but calls it in eltect a '^ defeat" — a statement 
which is not sustained, by the opinions of the ablest and most 
skilful ollicers of the war ; otiicers who attained liioh rank 
and distinction in the seivice. If comparisons were made 
between INIcC'lellan's operation against Yorktown and Grant's 
against Vicksburg, it would show that McClellan succeeded 
in his first plan, while (irant failed in some five or six schemes 
l»efore he adopted the one l»y which the place was captureil. 
^McClellan adopti'd the successfid plan at the start, while 
Grant experiin.Mited in several ways bd'oiv he found a suc- 
cessful solution of his pr()l)lem, and, when loss of life and 
delay in movements are considered, (irant's losses and dclav 
greatly outinimbered and exceeded McC'lellan's. Yet, it is 
the fashion among certain classes to call CJi'ant a -'success" 
and McClellan a " failure." 

The third and fourth papers are fi-om the pen of Gen. 
Francis W. Palfrey, and in them he attempts a description 
of the campaign subsequent to the evacuation of Yorktown 
with accounts of the battle of Williamsburg and the ''seven 
days' battles" in the famous movement to the James river. 
The writer falls into the same error that most soldiers are 
apt to experience when their vison in the movements and 
fights they attempt to describe is limited ])v service in a reo- 
iment, and their fields of observation must of necessitv be 
confined, in a large measure, to the movements of their own 
organizations. Who has not heard even privates criticise 
the action of their oiIi<'ers in l>attle and also their motives. 



o8 

wli '11 their lino of vision was limited to their own conipa- 
niis. aiitl. of course, thev knew nothino' of tlie eirennistan- 
ces whieli governed the conduct of the otHcei's? Wlio does 
not know tliat subordinate otiicers in niakino- their reports 
oft. '11 exa!;.\iierate the importance and value of their own ef- 
forts, always tiudinii,' reasons and excuses for their own 
shortcomin<>s at the exi)ense of otiiers? Thei'efore, how 
dill! -ult it is to oive correct accounts and just conclusions 
in revicAvino a camj)aiiin like tli(> one niidei' consideration. I 
most respectfully su<>oest that the .'iction of the 2()th Alassa- 
chusetts regiment (a lu-ave and gallant organization) is not 
the full history of the army of the Potomac in the peninsular 
cam|)aign. The most amusing statement of tien. Palfrey is 
his grave announccmeht that JMcClellan. as a general, was 
'•a failure." He writes ahout "tall talk," which makes him 
an aggravating disappointment, and iiitimatt's a comparison 
with the '•grave and taciturn 'l'hom:is." showing his igno- 
rance of the fact that that nol»le ohl soldier didn't hcsitat ' to 
express his mind (juite freely if occ:isioii required. IL' 
charges McCMellan with heing afraid of hurting his armv, 
thus liasely perverting the grand humanity exhil)ited in his 
aversion to the useless slaughter of uk'U. There is one point 
which (ien. I'alfrey thinks he makes to the detriment of Mc- 
Clellan as an otlicer. and that is what he tei'ms the '' com- 
mander in-chief ideas." He (h'precates the fact that M(- 
C'lellau left much to the judgment tind execution of his 
generals, and evidently imagines that the commander of an 
armv can i>e omnipresent — always at hand at the critii-al mo- 
ment to ins|)irit his soldieis and to move fresh hattalions at 
the exact period they are reiiuired. In making this j)oint he 
oxhihits, it would seem, a remarkable lack of comprehension 
as to the duties of a commander of 7'), 000 men, and of the 
physical jjowers of man. He would have a gt'ueral everv- 
where at the same time. l>ut wliei\' can there h.e found in 
the history of war an instance where the commanding ollicer, 
whether he he general, marshal or empcroi-, did not tiiist, 
and was not compelled to trust, the execution of various 
movements to his sult<)rdiuate ollicers? How very few olll- 



eers or mon ovor saw Qrnnt on tlio bnttloflolds of Virninia, 
no matter liow prossin<>- tlio^^oruency. Few will dispnte 
the assertion that Lee was one of the ablest <>enerals of the 
war, yet he most invariably left the exeeution of his plans 
to the care and charge of his suliordinates. If IMcCh-Uan's 
generals in some instances proved incomiK'tent, the fanlt 
was not his, bnt with the authorities in Washington who 
forced them upon him. An ollicer who was considcivd com- 
petent to command a corps ought to ))e fitted to ta!c ■ charg>> 
of the operations at the battle of Williamsburg, and Mv- 
Clellan was jnstitled in assuming it to be the case. There is 
one troul»le with most of the criticisms on the peninsular 
cam])aign, and that is, that the ulterior plans and designs of 
Gen. McC'lellan have never ])een nuuh' pul)lic. He (hired not 
give them, even to the authorities at Washington, ))ecause 
he had learned from bitter experience that ii was not safe to 
do so ; that the pei-fect secrecy sometimes so necessai'v re- 
garding proposed movements could not lie maintained. The 
departments wi're full of leaky V(\ss,'ls : t-ven the White- 
House could not be trusted, while unscrupulous newspaper 
writers, prying meml)ers of Congress, and espcciallv that 
cesspool of jealousy, lying conceit and spying — the commit- 
tee on the conduct of the war — assisted in making pulilic 
important movements, oftentimes thwarting and preventino- 
the execution of tlie best laid plans. Thei-efore. the true 
hist(M-y of the peninsular campaign '.vill never be known un- 
til (ien. McC'lellan opens the book and tells the whole storv, 
which has never yet been published. It would have shown 
no pai't of the patriot in ^IcC'h'llan if he had recounted the 
whole story when he submitted his linal i-eport from which 
the present critics get theii' information. It.^canse it would 
have impaii'cd the confidence of the ]>eople in tlieii' leaders 
and oilicials. and the whole success of the war <lei)eudt>d 
upon the pul)lic conlidence in the government. 

(Jen. Whittiei''s paper, which closes the storv. is to be 
commended for the plain statements of some facts which it 
has l)een regai'(h'(l almost as heresy to J>ring to the puldic 
notice, and one cannot but admii-e his bohbiess. It shows a 



rav of hope that the time may come wlien tlie truth can be 
safvj'.y told, and tardy justice rendered to many who have 
been traduced and vililied in^ro past. When these reviews 
of tlie war can be divested of partisan ])rejudioe, when it 
becomes no longer necessary to cover ui) the l)lnnders and 
crimes of the administration during the war, to save the 
re,)iitations of men whom the people have made their gods, 
or, at least, when the country ceases to care whether their 
re[)utations are saved or n<»t. then the entire inside history 
of the war can })e written, and then many of the present 
false idols will be thrown to the dust. 



01 



OUR STREETS, YARDS, AND 
DWELLINGS. 

AN Ai»i>KKss in:i.i\ r,i:i:i) i;i.i(ti:i; Tin: hin<;iiam Aiiuu i i.tl 1!ai. 

AM> IKlliTK I l.n l!AI. S(>< J|".TV, 

INIONDAV KVKNIN(;, MAY .'), I,s7i». 

Ill tracinti- out Miid stiidviiio- tlic social. Iioiiic life and his- 
tory of tlu' peoph' of our Stat..', (-'spt'cially in oiu- own Coiiiitv, 
one cannot fail to observe the t>ra(liial. steadv ini])rovenient, 
the incrv'asin^ taste, (ailtiire and love for cvervthin*'- that 
pertains to thi' tieaiitiful in natnri' and art. 

Onr I'nritan an<-estors i>aid little heed to what we now 
iveognizo as amoni^- the rarest enjoyments and amenities of 
life. They looked. perha|)s. with scoi'ii upon anv attein|)ts 
to onoraft heanty of form, orace in outline, to their dwell- 
ings and enclosnres. an<l it may he deemed frivolons and 
unworthy, that de\(»tion t>» Hower and shrnh which has now- 
become an essential element in our home life and training. 

Perhaps it was better so; p>'rhai)s it was necessarv that it 
should he so for their conditioa and circumstances, the hard 
ships they were enduring, Ih > perils that surrounded them, 
compelled to a sterner, rougher battle in lift' than ue are 
called to meet. They cuhivatv^d, indeed, more for the future 
than ior the present ; planting in the wilderness the seeds of 
liberty, virtui' and religion, the harvest of which we are 
reaping to-day, in the blessings of home aiul countrv. of 
civil and religious liberty. 

Yet who can doubt that, even in their sternness and devo- 
tion to the harder duties of life, the springs of love and ten- 
derness were oixMieil and overllowing, as after that winter 



02 

of fold and hunoor, thoy hohold the opcniiio- of the lovely 
[Mav-tlowei- in Plyinouth w^ls, the sweet harbinoer of the 
sprinotiine. that foretoUl tli^Wariu sunshine and gentle rains 
which wonld Itring forth the eorn and fruit, and relieve them 
from a portion of the hardships they were enduring? 

Can we not imagine that these gentle flowers awakened in 
their In-easts an increasing love and devotion, a more earnest 
reliance upon the great (iivei-. f<»r whose glory they had 
braved the perils of sea and land ; in whose jiraise they had 
suuL'' an anthem of the fr.'c. amid the l)realciug waves that 
dtished ui)on the shore, where the pine trees waved, and the 
storm winds roared ? 

Can we not imagine that the gentle maid, of whom the 
poet has sung, as she wandered with her chosen one ht n>'alh 
the forest shatU^ stopped to pluek the beautiful wild flowers 
on her wav. and bU'ss( d the (Un\ who. amid the grandiur and 
majestv of the primeval forv st. had scattered gems of form 
and color, teaching her that among the dangers she might 
be called to meet, the hardships she must endure, and the 
disappointments that would come to hei- in life, there would 
appear l)right spots (A' love and happiness, lighting u}) her 
future with colors as rai-e an 1 ;is be:,utifidas tlu' tints of the 
flowers upon which she gazed? 

I remark that an increasing culture, and a more genei-al 
attention to the beautiftd may be traced and noted among 
onr people, in the cultivation of flowers and shrid)s. in the 
care of our yards and enclosures, the form and color of our 
buildiuiis. and the attention paid to tlu> cleanliness and 
shading of our streets. 

Yet, in the experience of oiu' town, many cannot f:ul to 
note that grave mistakes have }>een made in what were 
deemed imi)rovements, which can lu'ver be remedied ; that 
the appearance of many localities lias been sadly marred, to 
satisfy the personal ends of some, or througii the influence 
of others, who can see no ])eauty in the running brook, the 
overhaniiiuii; rocks, the green-clothed ti'ee. or the graceful, 
curving roadway. 

The town that is constantly burdened with schemes for 
straiiihteninu' roads, erecting liauk-walls, and deiuolislnng 



<;;) 



old landmarks, is 1)uildin^- not to dclitiht hut to disoust tli.' 
peoi)lt' of the fiituiv. 

Unhappy ou,i>ht to he a comiiuinity. in a rnral disliicl. 
which foroets that the cnrve is the line of Iteantv, tiiat vari- 
ety gives the true zest to life, and thinks that sentinu-nt 
should never l)e united with utility. ^^ C cannot oiiard too 
faithfidly and ji'alously against these oft atteni|»t,'d innova- 
tions on old lantlniarks. sonie of which have hoen wrenche 1 
away with ruthless hands, niakino- lovely spots nnlovelv. un- 
der the i)reteuce of safety and iui|»r<)venient. 



It is said, the traveler on the prairies of the West tires (,f 
the monotony of straiu'ut roads, and the never-chanoinii 
scenes of level fields ; althouuh covei'ed with waviuo i>rain, 
the straiuht liu>'s and h'vel plains grow wearisome and de- 
pressing. Yet his Journey among the hills and vallevs of 
New England would he <uu' continu-d pleasure. A siulden 
curve brings to view a beautiful valley or the distant moun- 
tain and hill-top; then ajjpears the rushing stream, inige 
rocks v.-irv the scene, the distant vilhige wiih its clnu'ch- 
s|)ires greets the eyes, and anon the foi'est trees, an ever 
changing panorama of life and beautv. 

1 have heard it told of a sti'anger, who. after wanderino- 
through the straight streets of l'hiladel|ihia. gazing at the 
almost unvarying lines of ]»rick hnildings. with the conven- 
tional wliit' shutters, longed for anothrr look at Boston, 
with its crooked streets and constantly changing architect- 
ure, even if compelled to r^'ly upon the policeman to tlirect 
him back to his starting point. 

1 repeat, we cannc^t too carefully guard against these 
changes which are ojistantly l>eing attempted, under the 
idea that every change which straightens a line is an im- 
provement. Our town abounds in natural attractions; let 
them remain, although it may not accord with the views of 
men who would use our streets as race-courses to test the 
speed of their hoi'scs. or of the farmer who woidd lev(d our 
hills that the burden may bt' lightened in transp(»rting the 
products of his lields. ( )ur town is lilk'd with natui'ai beautv. 



r.i 

Niitiirc liiis liocii lavish in lior <>ifts. Tlio triio improvomoiit 
is that whicli cinhellislios, but dot's not dostrov. That the 
generations wlio preceded ns reeoonized in a nieasniv this 
fact, tiie stately, oraoefnl elms that jrnard our streets hear 
witness. One of the most healthfnl intlnenees that this so- 
ciety has exerted upon our connnunity may he found in the 
encouratrement and support it has uivi-n to those who sousjht 
to emhelish our streets by the i)lantinir of shade trees. Yet 
the work is still unhnished. and calls for further aciion on 

the ]iart of our ]ieo|ile. 

* * * * * * » 

P>nt if mistakes hav(> sometimes l)een made by town action 
in what were desioned as impi'ovements iji our roads, yet 
with oin- dwelliiiiis and yaids, the increasing attention and 
culture of our peopK> as individuals ih appariMit on every 

side. 

No one can look hack through a period of forty years, and 
fail to note how constanth- progress has bin ii made in neat- 
ness, taste and ])ejiuty around our dwellings. Then it was 
no unusual sight to si'c unpainted buildiu'is ; liarns witii no 
lines of true ])roi»ortion. Hanked l>y unsightly piles of ma- 
nure ; fences rough and unconjely ; yards uncared for by 
heedless owners. A imri'r. better sentiment pi'cvails, not 
onlv as a matter of taste, l)ut because we have learned moi'e 
to respect and give heed to the feelings and condition of 
others. Only i-are instances exist where this want of a|>pre- 
ciation of the duty we owe to each other is found, and thf^se 
must ultimately bow t< that power of i)ublit' opinion to which 
we all submit. 

The agriculturist has learned to value and protect tlie sub- 
stances that are to feed his growing crops, and rarely now 
are the senses of sight and smell offended by exhil>itions 
which often greeted the neighbor and passer-by in the years 
that are past. 

Probablv many of us have looked witli delight and j)leasnre 
on some painting or engraving in which the artist has de- 
picted a farm scene, or a peasant's home, in which the house 
and barn a>v closely allied. On the porch sits the farmer's 



family, snrrouii(l«'(l l)y liords of cattle, frolicking- lamhs, and 
a tiock of poiiltrv, which seek to enter the very door of the 
dwellinu-. H appears upon tlie canvas a rare exhihition of 
rural felicity ; yet while we admire and praise the skill of the 
artist, the romance is (piickly dispelled when we i-onsider tiie 
lilth. unsavory smells, and the various disaorceahle Ihinus 
that nnist necessarily attend such a close connection in ai-- 
tual life. You mioht examine the picture with a microsco|te 
and never detect a lly rejjresented aluuit the open doors, al- 
thouiili swarms woidd smely he the result of such a clos^' 
connection lu'tween the house and harn. 

The artist in producino; the i)icture intended to show onlv 
the pleasant thiu<i,s of such a life; his mission heinjito illus- 
trate the I»rioliter dreams of romance and ima<i,i nation. IJnt 
in our real livin<i. we are learnin,«>- to realize that a harn smell 
may ho healthy, yet not very aiireeable, and we desire to 
lighten the I)urdcns of the housewife, and therefore we place 
our harns and stahles, if possiide, out of smellino- distance 
from our dwellings. 

'i'he man who eri'cts a stahle, l>arii. or outhiiihlin<>; without 
projections or soui" attention to the rules of good architect- 
ure, is considered almost l)ehind his day and generation ; and 
in the Imilding of (Iwellings. an advancing culture and care- 
ful study as the essential re(|uisites (»f a comfortalile home, 
have taught us. that in addition to strength and durahililv, 
we should conihine the lines of good pioportion and heantv 
with as liberal an attention to ornamentation as circumstan- 
ces will allow. In the old times the carpenter was the archi- 
tect as well, and science had not taught, tis now, the value 
of gootl light and ventilation in the home. 

The chemist's laharatoiT had n(jt produced the delicate 
luies with which we now adorn our dwellings, else we should 
not retain in memory, recollections of the liideous colors of 
brick-red and yellow with which many houses were painted- 
Yet even now, many undoubtedly think that the essential 
requisite of a good painter is his ability to apply the paint, 
and fail to consider how greatly a cultivated taste, correc t 
ideas as to the )»lending of colois, and the abilitv to maki' the 



sekH'tion accord with tho size, location and snrronndinos of 
the Imildinos tiiev are to decorate, are necessary. 

This knowledoe conies fi'oni stndy and an instinctive ap- 
precnition of the tittin<>' and beantifni. wliich is as vaUiable a 
p,ift to the house |.ainter as to the artist. Even a long ex- 
])erience in the hnsiness sometimes fails to edncate in all the 
essential reqnirements of j-in-e taste and <>ood jud<rment. 
This may he noti d in Hie colors of mis Imildin"-. which 
1 ai'dlv satisfy llie eve. .nnd ni-e ceilainly a failure, insonnuh. 
that thev seemingly dwarf Hie sfriictnre. and roh it some- 
what of its stately and iniposin^ ai)i)earance. 

T admire the n< nlial tintsvvhich are now so nuich in voono, 
nj on which tlie eye i( sts with esse and satisfaction. Our 
lirilliant New Kn<2land sun furnishes all tiie hriohtness nec- 
essary to Tmht up these modest hues, and the j.urer taste and 
more correct jndjjnient are oradnally asserting themselves 
in our community. Yet, even in these days, we find many 
instances where the want of a correct jud'jinent and the proper 
blendinirof colors in the paintingot'huildings are very apjiarent. 

Note the want of harmony tliat is often to ])e seen be- 
tween the hues of the main l.nihling and tlie trimmings, and 
the too strong contrasts between the same. Tliore is no 
color more jmre andcliaste than white ; but a dwelling of 
that color should be shaded and ])artially hidden by tree, 
shrub and vine. I observed, not long ago. in anotJKM' town, 
a iionse painted w]iit(>. unrelieved by tree or shrub, but oi- 
namented with a front door of lihie and yellow. What a 
mistake it was. and iiow it maired the appearance of an 
otherwise imposing edifice, wlien tlie colored slate was placed 
upon the roof and tower of tiie C'atiiolic church, and how 
dillicult and expensive it would be to remedy the mistake. 

One word more on the painting- of onr dwellings. Let ns 
ouard against the tendency to imitate, especially in the 
i-ainting of roofs, the gay, flashing coloi's that are used to 
cover the cheap, flimsy buildings of the summer watering- 
places. 

Let me now turn to anotiier and moie congenial p^art of 
mv subject. It would Ite dillicult. I opine, to tell wlicn the 



07 

jiooiile of tlie 01(1 Colony comuuMiciMl to uivc any anionnt of 
attention to the cnltivation of Howers and slniihs. As I 
liave ln'foi'c oltscrved, onr ancestors paitl hut little heed 1(» 
these treasures of form and color. The old Puritan trainiiiu- 
inculcated tlie idea that urace and heauty, whetlier in natuie 
or art, iniuht lead the heait astray from the sterner, inoi-e 
necessary duties of life. I'erhai.s they thouoht more c-f 
(iod's jndoinents than of his mei-cy, more of his justice than 
of his k)ve. Tlu- settleis in the more southein parts of our 
and ; the chevaliers and men of hijih i-ank who landed in 
^'ir^inia, who souoht pleasure in every shape; the Catholics 
of Maryland, who avowedly used every form of heautv to 
attract their followers, luouiiht from the shores of Europe 
many (lowers and shrubs ihat ai'e seen in our wardens to-dav. 
More than two hundred years aoo, flowers that are now es- 
teemed as amono- our briolitest floral treasures, were culti- 
vated in profusion in tliese localities. 

'llie lilac, that perfumes tiio air in early spring, was ns 
familiar as with us to-day. Snowballs, larkspurs, hollv- 
hocks, periwinkh s. snapdraoons and the candytuft orew in 
profusi(m around their dwellings, whore, also, miyht have 
been seen the charming lily of the valley, the balsauj, or 
lady's slipper, the sweet rocket, and the pansv, or lady's de- 
light. These, and many others I have not time to enumerate, 
were cultivated in those Southern settlements, from which 
they advanced to the North in a floral march, until tlieir 
beauty overcame even the stt'i-n i)rejuilice of the sons 
of the l*uritans. How changed to-day ! This little arinv, 
decked in beautiful array, has been re-enfoi-ced bv the flow- 
ers and shru])S of every land to which the white sails of com- 
merce have wended their way. 

China and the East Indias have sent us tlie amaranthus, 
t"ie aster and the perfumed tul)e-rose ; Mexico, with whom 
we fought in deadly conflict on many a bloody field, has sent 
messengers of peace in the form of the ageratum, marigold, 
zinnia, cobea, maurandya and dahlia ; while from South 
America have come some of our richest treasures in the 
charming verbena, the brilliant j)etunia, the nastintiuni. uil- 



lin, lortnlncn and lupin. From tho Cnpo of Good IIoi)c wo 
liave rofcivcd tlio oxnlis mid loht'lui : tlio ice i>l:\nt from 
Eii'Vpt. :ind tlio oalla from tho hanks of tlio Nilo. llarlttua 
lias yivon ns tho oorooons salvia, and from Italy oomos tho 
rich jiorfumo of tho miononotto. (iormany onriohos ns liy 
hor aift of tho oarnation : and tho historic lands of Sicily 
and (irooco contrihutos to our stores tho foxulovo and svveot- 
l)oa. To those add tho huisli oifts from hortloral stores that 
Japan has showcMvd upon us. hor hoaiitiful liliosof rich linos, 
and tho hvacinth. tulip and crocus that conic from Ooliind 
tho dykes of Holland. 

These fann'liar honsihold favorites, with hundreds of oth- 
ers, an endless variety, lifted for the <iardon. house and con- 
servatorv. imi.rovid l»y the skilful hands, intellioonce an«l 
care of the Horistand hyluidist. in our own land and Europe, 
furnish us with a oorm'ous array of lt<'auty. a wealth of form, 
color and fraoranci'. 

Wend yoiH- way through our streets in the winter time. 
when the ''Frost Kini>" is sittin<>- on his throne, when tho 
cold wind jaorcos to tlio very mari-ow. and the earth wears 
hor oarmont of white, and in tho windows of nearly every 
dwelHuii you will see those flowers, l^riglit and jiiowinii. 
lauoliiuii at tho stoiiu. safe, under the careful t>uardianshi|) 
of tho occupants. \\ ho have allotted them tho sunniest sj.ot 
and the warmest shelter they have to hostow. Surely, those 
brilliant colors brijiht^-n tho homo. li<>hten the cares and bur- 
dens of life, and teach tho wonderful power and iioodnossof 
tho Creator. 

In the few more words I have to say. I would uroo an in- 
creased attention to our yards and onclosui'os. that oui- town 
may become more atrractivo year by year; that we may keep 
pace with an a<lvancinji' aiul sJiowino- taste for tho beautiful 
in nature. 

I do not ursi'o expensive methods or a waste of time need- 
ed in other and ne«'essary duties. Wealth does not always 
briu"' a correct taste or a just appreciation of what is leaJly 
api)ropriate and beautiful. These kind gifts of nature make 
no distinction as to station or rank, but will blodiu as luxuri- 



fi9 

antly in front of the laltoror's cottasje as Itosidc the costly 
mansion of attliience. All tlicy ask is caro. 

To illnstrate, I reinenilxT. as I was joiirncving in anotlu-r 
part of onr State, seeing, in front of an eleoant house, a 
"gipsy's kettle," now so common. The poles of the tripod 
were as smooth as the mechanic's skill conld make them, 
and, with the kettle, were painted a hright Vermillion. 15nt 
the plants showed no hixuriant growth ; exhi))ited no tast' 
nor skill ; added no charm to the device. A little farther on 
my road, beside a lowly dwelling, I noted another, the poles 
evidently rongh and unsightly ; l.nt the owner's care and 
forethonght had planted all around them hop vines, which 
had climbed to the top, and finding no further support, 
turned again toward the earth, covering the roughness with 
a mass of green ; while from the kettle, which might have 
lieen the one used liy the grandmother in the l)ig fireplace on 
her bridal morning, were spi-inging forth plants, rich in fo- 
liage and tlowers. I need not say which was the most 
charming to the passei'-l)y. 

Plant flowering and foliage shrubs about your dwellinos 
but with order and I'egiilarity, and not too thickly. In years 
gone ]»y. people tried to appease both the senses of taste and 
sight, and filled their front yai-ds with cherry trees, but we 
have learned not to plant shade trees close to tlie dwelling-. 
They forgot, or did not realize that in the sunlight may be 
found a large portion of the " Klixer of life." 

Have you an old, unsightly building? cover it with running 
vines; a rough fence? deposit at its base the seed of the 
oonvolulus, which reflects the glory of the mornin<>s, or of 
the running nasturtium, which will make it a line of gold ; a 
tree with gnarled uncouth trunk? surround it with the deli- 
cate manrandya or cobea, which will cover it until it will 
appear a thing of beanty. Who has not a spot on his prem- 
ises which can l)e spared for a patch of petunias, a bed of 
asters, or a mound for the geranium, the coleus, and plants 
of tropical climes? A bunch of zinias or coxcomb, or even 
the sunflower, will lend a charm in the distant pers|)ective 
Few will forget the verbena or the phlox drunnnondii. rich 



70 

in color and exquisite in fonn. I ain speaking only of the 
more common plants, which will spring up wherever you 
drop the seed, and require hut a small outlay from your 
means. The rarer plants are open to all who desire, yet it 
is not always the most expensive flower tliat is the most truly 
beautiful. 

I would urge again, in closing, an increasing attention to 
the planting and cultivation of these Hortd gems in our yards 
and enclosures, for the improveincnt of our town, tiiat it 
mav become more beautiful and enticing as time rolls on : 
for our own improvement and culture, and for the pleasure 
and enjoyment of others. 

This love of Howers grows with an increasing attention to 
their cultivation. Of them one never tires; the jjleasure 
thev oive never ch)vs or becomes wearisome. Their delights 
are always pure, their teachings always uplifting. They 
brio-hten the home, keep the heart warm, send joy even to 
sickness and distress, lighting up the chamber of suffeiing, 
bringing consolation to the hearts of the afflicted. 

Observe their colors, and you can realize how superior is 
nature's painting to the most subtle skill and intense applica- 
tion of human minds and hands. The inntations of the 
most thorough and skilful artist fail, when sul»jected to the 
test of comparison, for the human eye can never follow and 
produce the wonderful mechanism which nuirks even the 
humblest flower that grows. 

All accurate imitation is defeated, even with the most 
careful study and attention, when we attempt to produce the 
hues of the simplest flower, for all the combinations of the 
laboratory, and the p(nver of art and genius, cannot imbue 
those colors with the charm of life which we see in the open- 
intr flower. The colors that come from human hands are al- 
wavs dead and lifeless. How much l)ettei', therefore, how 
much more satisfactory, to study the works of the Infinite, 
than our own poor imitations. 

These niessengers of beauty exert an influence upon hu- 
manity that no tongue can fitly describe. You will see them 
in the cell of the convict, guarded with the tenderest care bv 



71 

one who, in his passion and recklessness, luis defied and 
trodden on tiie Uiws of (lod and man. You will see t! e 
little oainins, in the alleys an<l streets of the crowded cit\. 
clad in ra^^s. •>annt-eyed from hunger and want, vicious from 
the power of circumstances over which they have no control, 
gazing into :i little flower wliich they have beo'ged of a 
stranger, catching, perhai)s, the first glimpse of m puritv and 
beauty in this world, unknown and unrealized before. 

In the chamber of suffering and sickness, thev speak of 
the perfection and glory of that future home where sickneus 
and pain shall cease. 

We place them beside the altar, in the sanctuary, to illus- 
trate and sustain the. words of the preacher, us he speaks of 
the wonderful perfection and beauty of God's works ; of tliut 
mighty power and all-pervading care which can raise up 
mountains, depress the valleys, and yet has fashioned in ex- 
quisite form the tiniest flower that grows. 

We strew them upon the graves of the departed ; around 
the lifeless forms soon to be but dust, as evidences of our 
unchanging love, and our undying faith in iminortalitv. 

Let us, then, give an increased attention to th.; cultivation 
of flowers, that our own enjoyments may be enhanced, our 
town made more attractive, and, more than all. that the re- 
sults of our labors and care may be glorified, through the 
peace, happiness and trust they may carry into the prisoner's 
cell, the Ityways of want :ind misery, the chaml)er of sick- 
ness, the sanctuars', and the house of mourning-. 



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